The Garyton (Abandoned) School in Portage, Indiana ~ EXPLORING NORTHWEST INDIANA

Описание: The Garyton School started as a brick, two-room schoolhouse in 1923 and continually evolved to serve the growing population. In 1927, the school grew and improved with a second-story addition and indoor plumbing. More classrooms and a combination gymnasium-auditorium were added in 1938 with financial support from the New Deal-era Works Progress Administration. Two Mid-Century Modern additions constructed in 1955 and 1964 disguise the brick Neoclassical building from the road. The school closed not long after, though the building continued to serve as an adult education facility and food pantry. In 2016, the Portage School Corporation transferred the building to the City of Portage with a contract to find a find a new use for the building by 2020 or bring in the wrecking ball.
The nearly 100-year-old Garyton school building on Central Avenue may be getting a new life.
The city's Redevelopment Commission acquired the building from Portage Township Schools a few years ago. The previous administration had determined the building would be demolished and the property would be marketed for residential development.
A.J. Monroe, director of planning and community development, said that changed earlier this year.
The estimated cost to demolish the building was $480,000 and the Redevelopment Commission simply did not have funds for the project, said Monroe.
Money would have had to be spent to board up and secure the building until it could be demolished, or, said Monroe, there could be a different approach.
Discussions began with a small group of potential stakeholders who asked, "Is there something different we can do with the building?"
Instead of spending the money to secure the building, the Redevelopment Commission decided to use those funds to replace broken windows, turn the lights back on and update an environmental study. The city is also working with a group of consultants to develop a vision plan for the building and cost estimates to bring the building back to life for residents on the west side.
The Portage Township YMCA and various service organizations have expressed interest in providing programming at the building, said Monroe.
"This is an opportunity that is bringing people together," said Monroe, adding as the plans develop, community input will be sought.
Neighbors have already seen some activity around the building.
The Portage Parks Volunteer group gathered some 30 volunteers on June 20 to clean up the exterior of the building, cleaning up the landscaping.