Thacher School 1897 - More Needless Demo

 The only part of Thacher that is structurally questionable is the northern wing (1914) that burned... I'm not even convinced that it is dangerous.   Please note that the boarding up of the building occurred AFTER the fire.   Also note that a chain with a lock on a door isn't going to keep anyone out these days.  Incomplete securing of the structure has led to the fire and vandalism which the District now claims is the reason for the needed demolition.    It's a little like cutting your own hand off and then
                                                                  applying for disability.

 Tomorrow I'll post some interior pictures taken in 1993; the last time the District wanted to demolish it.

 This portion, the south, was constructed in 1897 and opened in 1898.  

                               Almost finished the boarding up job.  Maybe they ran out of wood.  

           Too bad negligent treatment of a cultural asset isn't a crime..... it is elsewhere... see Europe.

The City That Works?

Over a year and counting since reporting on these houses to the City commenced. The home on the left, 4403 Norledge, is vacant, owned by an out of town landlord and always looks like this. The "home" on the right, 4401 Norledge, burned over a year ago and nothing has happened since. Yes, they have been reported via 311 repeatedly.
The burned out house sits open to the elements, the evil doers and the creepy crawly things. Not even boarded up.
And what happens when this kind of blight is allowed to fester? See below. Multiple for sale signs. Who wants to live right across the street from this crap? Only problem for the folks trying to escape is potential buyers can also see this. Many great, energetic families in Indian Mound are just hanging on by their fingernails hoping things get better. The above pictures seem to say the answer is no.
Above, Norledge and Kensington the west side.