by Phillip Zema
The Lebanon Valley Historical Society (LVHS) and Union Free School Preservation Committee (UFSPC) have until June 2 to develop a plan to preserve the Union Free School building. In January, the New Lebanon Board of Education voted to postpone until June any decision on the building’s fate. Unless a feasible plan is developed, the building, which is owned by the school district, may be demolished. The New Lebanon Board of Education said it would cost $752,786 to renovate the building; this price is contingent, however, on what the building is used for. Demolition would only cost about $35k.
Built in 1913 by architect Albert Fuller (a 1934 obituary referred to him as the Dean of Albany architects), the school’s foundation contains Shaker cut stones and bricks. Between 1913 and 1953, area students rode the train to the school. Its old school bell can be found at the Walter B. Howard Elementary School. The building contains four classrooms. Above the slate blackboard on the north side of the first classroom, there is a Mother Goose mural. The old school building is widely respected as an historical and cultural icon. But like many other renowned buildings (e.g. the Lebanon Warm Springs Hotel, the Ruby Ruby Inn), its future is in jeopardy.
It is part of the Town’s comprehensive plan to preserve local historical buildings, especially when they benefit the community. One aspect of this plan is to keep New Lebanon “an attractive, friendly and well maintained community that values its diverse population, rural character, scenic beauty, natural resources, and cultural and historic heritage.” Many find that preserving the Union Free School fits well with this goal. As Town Supervisor Margaret Robertson stated in a letter to the New Lebanon Board of Education, the “Union Free School remains the only structure of significant historical value from our past that we have a chance to save for our children’s children.”
For nearly 60 years, the school helped shape the lives of many area adolescents. As the district grew, however, the Union Free School lacked the space to occupy the growing student population. When construction of the new high school was completed, the old school building was closed. Like with any building, the school required repairs, but for various reasons, renovating the school was never a priority. Over time the building became increasingly dilapidated. In 2004, it was noted that its westward foundational wall could collapse, and the building was subsequently fenced in. In 2006, the building was cleared of asbestos. In the same year, it was noted that the building could be “rehabilitated without extensive reconstruction.”
A January survey revealed that 58% of local residents would care deeply if the school were demolished; 30% said they would be sorry to see it go. To save the school, the UFSPC claimed that a not-for-profit organization (NFP) needed to take ownership of the building. The LVHS, New Lebanon Library and Town Council were all considered to be possible options. But the building cannot simply serve as an historical artifact; it must satisfy a local need, perhaps functioning as a community, senior and/or youth center. One recent option is to renovate the building and then donate it to the Town or School District. The UFSPC might propose this idea to the Town Council and School Board. These municipalities could then consider how they might use the building.
Selling the building will be difficult, however, for the high school must own at least 13 local acres (the school currently has 13.73 acres). By law, the school must have 10 acres plus an additional acre for every 100 students (it has 250 total students). The land surrounding the Union School would likely be needed by potential buyers, but the District is hard pressed to sell any of its land. This stipulation likely creates a deterrent to any potential buyer. If the LVHS or UFSPC can raise enough funds to purchase the building, this problem could be avoided. For these groups could then donate the building to either the Town or School, where it would then fulfill a community or educational need.
The possibility of applying for state grants has also been considered. Yet before any NFP can be awarded an acquisition grant, it must own the building in question. Furthermore, state grant funds are in short supply; they are currently being used to help fund operating expenses throughout the state. The LVHS and UFSPC are inquiring about other ways to help preserve and renovate the building. One possibility is to replicate what other communities did to preserve their historic buildings (e.g. the Chatham Opera House and Garfield School in Eagle Mills).
Despite being confronted with a number of economic obstacles, many area residents are working to develop a feasible renovation plan. In the coming weeks the UFSPC aims to develop a workable and attractive solution. Ideally, such a plan will explain how funds will be generated and discuss the value of preserving the building. By June 2, they hope to convince the Board of Education that the Union Free School building cannot only be an historical icon but an invaluable asset to the community.