The Springbank School Building, which dates back to 1903, will be demolished in the coming days, despite some interest in potentially salvaging the structure for historical purposes or even community use.
It was no longer deemed structurally sound back in May of this year and permanently closed, leaving the previous occupants-- Springbank Cottage Childcare-- with no choice but to vacate before June.
An engineering assessment prompted the owner of the building, Rocky View Schools (RVS), to choose to clear out the building and have it demolished.
Tarps have surrounded the school for much of the summer as demolition work was being completed from the inside.
"The building formerly occupied by Springbank Cottage Childcare remains not structurally safe and is permanently closed," RVS confirmed in a statement to Rocky View Weekly. "It will be demolished in the next (Aug. 18) week."
Bragg Creek resident Bob Everett, who advocates for local historical buildings like the school to be saved, said he was disgusted by this decision.
"What are we teaching the kids who go to the other schools nearby?" he asked. "That history doesn't matter."
Everett said he had spoken to a group in the Springbank community that expressed interest in preserving the building. He added that he felt the roof was straighter than anything being built nowadays, containing a solid frame that was up high and not vulnerable to moisture.
"If the properly was restored, it would be a jewel," Everett assured.
RVS said they initially worked with the Springbank Community Association, the local society that advocates for organizations, programs, and amenities from the community. They considered possibility relocating the building.
"Ultimately, the group decided not to proceed with relocation due to the cost to move and renovate," RVS confirmed.
Everett said he had heard Rocky View County (RVC) had put a stop order on the demolition to give the Springbank Community Association and other advocates more time to discuss the school's future.
RVC said no one was able to provide comment on that matter at this time
"The Springbank School building is owned by Rocky View Schools, and the County is not involved in decisions regarding the building’s condition, ownership, or demolition timeline," RVC clarified.
The school was constructed in 1903-- meaning it was just shy of a 125th anniversary. Several added rooms and renovations have occurred throughout the past decades, rendering some of the more original features unrecognizable.
The address is 244241 Range Rd 33, right next to Springbank Middle School.
"It's a great piece of land and would have been a great piece of heritage for Springbank, which doesn't have very much in the way of history," Everett lamented.
Springbank Cottage Childcare, meanwhile, confirmed on its website that it has moved down the road to 16 Commercial Drive.
A full history of Springbank Community School can be found at www.waymarking.com .
