A Lose-Lose for Two Historic Schools

Franklin School falls to the wrecking ball, September 17, 2009

Boise area residents have known for some time that they would lose two historic schools to the wrecking ball despite pleas from Preservation Idaho as late as this week. This morning, Franklin School began its slow move to the Ada County landfill, which illustrates and even sadder chapter in an already sad saga: everyone lost in this deal and it didn’t have to be that way.

Valley residents lose a huge part of their history, physical reminders of an education earned that can never be revisited. Preservation Idaho loses yet another battle to save important vessels of our built environment and Idahoans and the School District lose the opportunity to gain something from the loss of these important buildings.

For instance, what if the school district had let the demolition bid out to a green demolition company so that Idahoans could learn new demolition and recycling practices? What if the experience gained by recycling these buildings vaulted Idaho back into a national leadership position in the construction fields like it once was in the days of Harry Morrison?

And what if the school district was forward looking enough to do more than just clear these parcels and try to sell them, but instead actively led thoughtful and creative redevelopment projects? There is nothing that prohibits public agencies from being a lead developer on a project. Certainly the school district would say, “we’re not real estate developers.” In that they are correct. But the school district has also said that they feel an obligation to get the greatest return for tax payers. Letting these lots sit vacant while the private sector waits for market conditions to improve is no way to do that. It is time for all of our public agencies to reconceptualize their role in the community, and become leaders rather than ducking leadership opportunities.

RIP Franklin and Cole, and the memories and opportunities we lose with you.