LEESBURG, Fla. – Demolition has started on the Lee School in downtown Leesburg.
The old school building is a big part of the city’s history. According to City Manager Al Minner, efforts to save the building were unsuccessful due to structural challenges.
Rob Brown’s parents both went to school there. In fact, they were high school sweethearts. Brown visited many times over the years.
“It had the wood floors, like the old schoolhouses, it was kind of run down whenever I went in there,” Brown said.
According to Minner, the city’s Historical Preservation Board tried to save Lee School, but deemed it impossible due to structural issues.
Local developer Barry Mansfield has received approval to build townhomes at this site. Any changes or modifications would have to be approved by the city and planning authorities.
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John Hopper lives about half a block away from the old school. He is sad to see the school go, but feels comfortable with growth.
“It doesn’t surprise me. Windows had been broken, it had been vacant for so long and, you know, bricks crumbling and stuff, so I understand. Too bad, though,” Hopper said.
This sign on the property says, “The Villas at Lee Street,” and has a phone number on it that you can call for more information.
The school was built in 1915 but had been vacant since 2003. Demolition should be complete by next week.
Although the current plans call for townhomes to be built, no construction permits have been pulled at this time and there is a possibility it could be changed to apartments.
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