District proposes demolition of Southwestern Junior High, recommends $1.45 million contract

Administration presented a facilities proposal to address the long-vacant Southwestern Junior High at 390 South Washington Street, describing structural deterioration, environmental hazards and ongoing maintenance and security costs. The plan recommended remediation of environmental hazards, asbestos abatement, full demolition and site grading, with space prepared for possible salvage playground equipment and retention of the building cornerstone for historical value.

Presenter Mr. Bowman recommended awarding ET McKenzie a contract in the amount of $1,451,513 to perform demolition, asbestos abatement and site restoration. Board members asked for detail on restoration scope (grading, mowable turf, and preparation for potential playground equipment) and whether materials such as bricks or auditorium stanchions could be salvaged; administration said they would preserve some items, including the cornerstone, and investigate repurposing features where feasible.

Administration framed the demolition as part of a later bond phase for further site work and said the upper-level parcel where the building sits would be graded while the lower-level football field would not be disturbed. The item was presented for board consideration; the board did not record a final vote on awarding the contract in the work session excerpts provided.