A School Is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Readers seek help for preservation emergencies
/ Aug. 12, 2003
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This Connecticut elementary school has
been empty since 1998. (Frank C. Perella Jr.)
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Dear Preservation 911,
I'm desperately seeking advice on how to preserve
a pre-1900 schoolhouse.
Duggan School, formerly The Bank Street Schoolhouse,
was built in 1890 in the Brooklyn section of Waterbury, Conn.
In 1916 a gym and swimming pool were added. The school was named
for Rev. Duggan, the first pastor of neighboring St. Patrick's
Church. Duggan School was a thriving K-8 school until it was closed
in the mid-1970s to pursue "progressive educational goals."
After having been used for various civic and neighborhood activities,
the building was completely vacated in 1998.
At that time, neighborhood groups sought to save the school. A
feasibility study was done, and the building was found to have
a strong and formidable superstructure. However, since then, efforts
for the building's salvation have gone nowhere. The building is
now in a distressed state, having falling victim to vandalism
and nature.
In addition, in front of the building on school property is a
sprawling Constitutional Pin Oak. Planted in 1902, it is one of
the few thriving trees of its kind in existence. I am also extremely
concerned about its future.
Other preservationists and I strongly believe that it's time to
restore this symbol of America's strong educational past to the
dignity it deserves. Any and all information you can give me to
help me in my dilemma will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Frank C. Perrella Sr.
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