Old WPA High School Building Final Days

The Marion High School building, which is located on College Street, was completed in the year 1940 to stand as an example of progress being made in Marion, Kentucky.  It is a brick structure designed by Harry E. Boyle & Co. Architects and Engineers, Evansville, Indiana.  It is equipped with Chemistry and Home Economics, laboratories, a library and eight additional class rooms.  The Gym, which makes up the east side of the build, is very modern and will accommodate a large group of people.

The pupils, teachers and entire community are proud of their new building and they intend to keep it tat way.  (From 1941 Marion High School Annual)

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 I've written many posts about the WPA built High School building and the history of the clock and bell tower that was on top of it.  This still beautiful building, despite major deterioration of the wooden structure parts, is now in it's final days.  The demolition of it is suppose to start this week.  

Marion Code Enforcement says the building has been deemed unsafe and needs to be torn down or renovated.  The city formally condemned the build and gave the owner until April 21 to remove the clock cupola and flashing that appear to be coming unattached to the building. (I had a post and pictures about the cupola just a few weeks ago).  Chris Evans, The Crittenden Press editor had a very informative article about the final chapter for this building in the March 28, 2024 edition of the Press, titled "Destiny Sealed".  

Just a couple weeks ago, I made some pictures of the owner, Tommy Wright, and James Ray Smith, tearing down the cupola structure that had been close to falling off.

 

Needless to say, the loss of the historic old building literally makes me sick. 😢