RUSD proposes nearly $11.9 million demolition for former Roosevelt School; playground to be retained

The Racine Unified School District presented project-implementation approval for demolition of the former Roosevelt School with an estimated demolition budget of $11,869,200. Administration said it would seek board approval of the construction-manager-at-risk contract and the total project budget at the November business meeting.

Administration explained that items of historical or archival value—such as the Theodore Roosevelt bust that had been in the library—will be retained in the district archives for possible display in central office or at a local history museum. The district said it routinely provides opportunities for community members to collect salvaged bricks as mementos after demolition; those giveaways are not expected to add significant cost to demolition. For architectural elements such as moldings and cornices the district cautioned such items may contain asbestos or lead paint and would require abatement before release, potentially making restoration or personal reuse impractical.

Board members asked whether demolition contractors typically include a salvage credit; administration said that is commonly included and would apply here. Administration also said the district plans to keep the playground, rear parking lot and some asphalt (for basketball) intact as a continued community amenity and that the district will continue property maintenance (snow removal, grass cutting) as long as it retains ownership.

Administration said the demolition and associated construction approvals will be brought to the November business meeting for board action.