Schools
In 2003, Mattoon built two new grade schools and consolidated all of the neighborhood schools. With their closing, Bennett, Lincoln, Washington, and Columbian schools are all scheduled to be torn down. Lincoln and Bennett were both built in 1912, Washington in 1916. Columbian in 1924. The land Bennett sits on will become part of Lytle Park. Lincoln will probably be used for building trades and houses built on the land, similar to the way they did Lowell School. Washington land will more then likely become part of the area park. Columbian will make for good overflow parking for the High School (it seems the best replacement for old buildings). Schools all over the country have been redeveloped for other uses. These will probably never see such uses. If anyone knows about more about these buildings, let me know.
On July 21, 2004, Washington School was the first to fall. Washington Gallery Columbian fell on September 1, 2004. Columbian Gallery Bennett came down on October 14, 2004. Bennett Gallery
Lincoln was razed on November 29, 2004 Lincoln Gallery |
