Texas architect Harry Payne designed the 1931 Old Huntsville High School, along with the city's Sam Houston Memorial Museum. (NTHP)

While many historic schools across the country are being demolished in favor of new ones, a last-minute vote in Huntsville, Tex., may save the city's old high school, built in 1931.

The school district's board of trustees, which had planned to allow the demolition of the empty neoclasical revival building, voted Feb. 16 to reject a demolition bid for the structure and to declare the school surplus property so that it can be sold.

Because many city residents voiced their support of the school at a Jan. 19 meeting, the board delayed its vote on the demolition bid. Several people have suggested in turning the building into a museum, art gallery, or public library.

"[The community outpouring] was unbelivable," says James Patton, chair of the Walker County Historical Commission. "Having lost so many of our structures in our community, both commercial and residential, I think this was a rallying point for people."

Last month the National Trust's Southwest Office sent a structural engineer to visually inspect the site, which was "one of the turning points in the saving of the school," says Denise Alexander, program officer.

"We feel like the building is sound," Patton says. "It is salvageable and reusable."

The school district is scheduled to offer the brick school for bid within 90 days.

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