The old Cass Technical High School is in its first phase of demolition
According to the Detroit News, demolition of the building once occupied by Cass Technical High School began last Wednesday. The 89-year old building, which stand next to the new Cass, closed in 2005. The first phase of the demolition is expected to last 10 weeks. The 1981 addition to the building was demolished first.
The school district is paying $3 million for the demolition contract, which is being funded through a DPS $500.5 million bond program.
The old high school stands tall with 7-1/2 floors and has never been emptied of its furniture and other supplies.
Although demolition has begun, Cass Tech Alumni Association Chair, Ray Litt, hasn’t given up hope. At the funeral hosted by the association last Tuesday, Litt announced that a developer has shown interest in the building and is willing to buy the building from Detroit Public Schools. After purchasing the old school, the developer plans to renovate and redevelop it to create lofts and house restaurants and other tenants. An offer is expected to be made Monday.
Litt did not disclose who the potential buyer is or what amount they would pay. But school officials doubt that the offer will last.
Detroit Public Schools spokesman, Steve Wasko, said the school system’s only goal is to provide a safe environment for students, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Despite talk of a potential buyer, demolition will continue.
Jasmine Morgan, a 2008 graduate of Cass Technical High School, was a member of the last freshmen class to walk the halls of the old building.
“I feel sad because the building was historical, but it is an eyesore for people of the city,” said Morgan. “But even in the new building the legacy for the Cass Technicians will continue.”
Facts about “old Cass”
- Formerly known as Cass Union School
- Founded in 1861
- Established to provide training in woodworking and metal trades for young men
- Built on land given to the City of Detroit by former Secretary of State and Michigan Governor Lewis Cass
- The land had a pickle factory on it
The new Cass Tech stand right next to the old building it once occupied
Facts about “new Cass”
- LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council
- Includes an indoor arena
- Includes a competition-sized swimming pool
- Includes a 1,100-seat theater,
- Includes a two-story greenhouse
- Won the top design award given out by Learning By Design, a prestigious national guide that showcases outstanding school design and construction projects.
For more visit http://detnews.com/article/20110326/SCHOOLS/103260392/Cass-Tech-alumni-pin-hope-on-developer-to-save-building