THE REST OF THE STORY

One of Pierce County's oldest educational institutions has been threatened with demolishment. Constructed in 1908, Parkland School, one of three county-designated historic landmarks in Parkland, has been a community pillar for more than a century. Beyond being a place where thousands of children have learned to read and write and get along with one another, the building is a visual respite from nearby strip malls, gas stations and fast food restaurants. As recently as four years ago, kids attended school there. 

Now, PLU, the owner, wants to sell the property since they have no use for it.  No signs about the potential sale of the property or removal of the school from the county's register of historic places were posted so the community was surprised when they heard the news in May 2022.

In June 2022, the Pierce County Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, an advisory group, recommended that the Pierce County Council not remove the school from the county’s historic registry, contrary to a request from developers. The commission also said no to a demolition permit, but has no power to enforce that recommendation. The Washington State Trust For Historic Preservation supports preservation, as does the state Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation, a public agency that has urged thorough, objective and transparent analysis of the site. The superintendent of Franklin Pierce School District, which once owned the building, has expressed support for saving the historic building.

Since then, PLU has offered to sell the historic school to the community for $2.85 million.  Besides purchasing the property from PLU, the building needs renovations to meet county code.  The Parkland Community Assn paid for an Architect and Feasibility Study in February 2023.  The report shared that overall the building appears sound and it provides detailed information on renovations needed to meet county code.  

The community believes that the school can be saved and put to good use while PLU realizes fair profit. Please join us in repurposing this historic building. 

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