By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
SCOTTVILLE — The former Scottville schoolhouse was reduced to rubble Tuesday as demolition crews brought down the last standing portions of the historic 138-year-old building at 209 N. Main St.
Excavators spent the day tearing apart the remaining structure, leaving behind piles of brick, wood and debris that now cover much of the site. Cleanup work is expected to continue in the coming days before the property is cleared for future redevelopment.
The demolition, overseen by the Mason County Land Bank Authority, ends the physical presence of one of Mason County’s oldest school buildings. The structure, built in 1888, served generations of Scottville and Mason County Central students before closing in 1976. Over the years the building served as a private school and retail stores but has basically been unused for the last 25 years.
County officials previously explored preserving the building, but restoration costs were considered prohibitive due to extensive deterioration, including roof collapse, water damage and environmental hazards. Asbestos abatement was completed prior to demolition beginning earlier this spring.
Although the building itself is gone, pieces of it will remain in the community. Many of the bricks salvaged from the structure will be sold by the Scottville Clown Band during its Tuesday, Aug. 18 concert at the Scottville Clown Band Shell. The bricks will be sold that evening for $10 each. Antique cabinets removed from the building and restored will be auctioned. Proceeds will be donated by the Clown Band to the Mason County Central band program. Pre-orders of the bricks are not available.
Once cleanup is completed, the 1.4-acre site is expected to be prepared for redevelopment. Mason County Treasurer Andrew Kmetz IV, who chairs the land bank authority, has said the property could help address local housing needs because of its location near downtown Scottville.
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