From Preservation Online, the online magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

www.preservationonline.org

UPDATE: Demolition recently began on the Central School.

Dear Preservation 911,

I am writing in regard to the efforts of saving an endangered landmark with national significance which is scheduled for demolition—according to local media sources—could happen very soon.

Superior, Wisconsin's Central School, which briefly served as the "Summer White House" during the Coolidge administration in 1928 is an irreplaceable tie to the nation's history as well as the proud heritage of Superior and Douglas County, Wisc. Currently, concerned citizens and members of the Douglas County Historical Society, the historic preservation committee commissioned by the city, are desperately attempting to stay destruction of this landmark.

Nevertheless, members of local government seem to regard the building as, at best, an inconvenience to further development. Although the school was just recently vacated, according to our local newspaper, in mid-November the school board members took formal action, emphatically and unanimously awarding the contract for the demolition of Central Junior High in a Nov. 10 meeting.

Just five days later, the city allowed the building to be stripped of much of its antique furniture, fixtures and woodwork.

Although no new construction will begin until next year, local officials have decided not to allow the Douglas County Historical Society sufficient time to follow the National Trust's recommendations of forming a non-profit organization to raise funds and request financial assistance from the appropriate parties—opting instead to spend a substantial sum to demolish and replace an already workable structure.

Those who are interested in saving this significant state and national site may visit www.savecentralwhitehouse.org for contact information of local governmental officials and/or www.douglashistory.org.

Thank you,

Alisa Persons
Superior, Wisc.

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The National Trust's regional and field offices bring the programs and tools of the Trust to communities across the country. They offer technical assistance through consultations and field visits and financial help through small grants. They hold educational programs for professional preservationists and work to foster policies that help historic places. They also provide leadership on issues that concern entire regions, such as saving historic schools, fighting sprawl, and revitalizing cities.

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