DANVILLE — It’s time to say goodbye to the former Danville Intermediate building.
The Danville board of education, via a 3-2 vote, gave superintendent Jason Snively the OK on moving forward with the demolition of the former intermediate school located at 405 South Main St.
Board members Joshua Byers and Dawna Stephens dissented.
“After careful consideration and evaluation, it has been determined that the District has no further educational or administrative use for the building,” the resolution states.
“The presence of the building on the property has limited the district’s ability to create a secure parking area for students and staff.”
Snively has previously said the district’s primary objective is to ensure the safety and convenience of its students and staff, which can be significantly enhanced by providing a secure parking area on the building’s property.
Snively said the next step will be to hire a civil engineer to design construction plans for the demolition and subsequent parking space.
In July, Snively received a demolition and parking addition estimate from a consulting firm, Energy Optimizers. The company stated it would cost roughly $733,680 for the demolition and $650,620 for the parking facility.
Since then, Snively said the district is confident quotes from local contractors will make the project significantly less, adding he’s hopeful a bid package will be sent out before the end of the year.
In June 2023, Danville school board voted against leasing the intermediate building to any organization or private entity.
The Danville Heritage Association requested to use the building, eyeing a long-term lease to secure grant funding.
In March, the Heritage Association returned to the board, asking to rent portions of the building for a village museum and library. The board didn’t take action.
Snively said the next step will be to hire a civil engineer to provide construction plans for the demolition and subsequent parking space.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated.