The city of Jamestown has condemned the original York Institute building, saying that a collapse is imminent.
Preservationists have fought off attempts to tear down the Fentress County schoolhouse, which was constructed with money from World War I hero Sgt. Alvin C. York. It was abandoned more than 20 years ago and classes moved to newer buildings. Since then, the roof has partially collapsed and bricks have fallen from the façade.
Jamestown building inspector Bob Lane says after speaking with board members of the state-run school, he deemed the structure beyond repair and a danger to students in nearby classrooms.
“We stand by that decision. Gravity is going to pull that building to the ground pretty soon no matter what anybody does, no matter what anyone from any historical society does, or any politician does or anything.”
Members of the York family have been raising money to rehab the historic school but have fallen far short of the millions needed to make the structure usable.
The city of Jamestown hasn’t issued a deadline, but it did recommend bulldozing this summer while school is out of session. The State Building Commission has not indicated whether it’s still considering demolition.
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