Time running out for Brainerd Building; demolition bids expected Monday
Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 officials on Monday could learn how much it will cost to knock down the Brainerd Building and Jackson Gym.
The adjoining buildings - on Route 176, just east of the current Libertyville High campus - were targeted for demolition this spring after a drive to turn the former school into a civic center failed to find community support.
The original demolition estimates, now several years old, set the price for the work at $600,000 to $700,000.
The project is on the facilities and finance committee's agenda for Monday. The session will start at 7 p.m. at the district office, 50 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.
The Brainerd Building opened as Libertyville Township High School in 1917. The Jackson Gym followed in 1929.
After the present high school opened in 1954, the Brainerd Building was turned into a freshmen-only facility.
All classroom education there ceased in 1999 when Vernon Hills High School opened.
A community group had wanted to turn the Brainerd Building and Jackson Gym into a civic center, but the plans never got enough funding to move forward. In March, Libertyville voters rejected spending tax dollars on the project.
Depending on the bids, the school board would need to approve a contract for demolition at a future meeting.