Washington Elementary school was one of the three new ward schools built in 1904. Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington were all built on the same two-story floor plan with a basement and of the same architectural design. Washington was replaced by a newer building in 1937. The plot in Farrell Park where Washington stands was leased from the city for 99 years. In the 1980s when the school system went to grade centers, Washington housed all the Shawnee fifth graders. Use of the building was discontinued in the late 1990s.
Went to this school in the 60's. Shame to see it has become so dilapidated. Should be demolished. Looks to be an eyesore and more of an invitation to vagrants.
It should not be demolished. Should be restored and turned in to something useful. Keeping old buildings is a way to stay in touch with your past.
The third shot into this entry caught my eye..I like the architecture of this building–if it is sound enough–maybe it should be saved and repurposed!
I think the worst part would be location, location, location. What could an old neighborhood school bldg. be converted into? Commercial use is implausible and would anyone want a shelter of any kind in their neighborhood? It is so sad to see how willing Americans are to just throw everything away and I would love to see it preserved. Light bulb momenet.. what about an extension of the library or a community bldg. BUT where would the money come from?
I went to school there. i have some good memories of that place. its sad to see it like this.
Totally fire proof building, concrete floors and roof. Solid as a rock.
I went to this school in the 60's, 1rst through 3rd grade, sad to see it like this!
I grew up and lived just a few blocks away in the 1980's and 1990's. The neighborhood is horrible. No business would ever take it over and fix it up. While it is a sound structure Shawnee has just out grown the location and pushed everything north. Even if it was demolished or renovated it would never attract the type of crowd worthy of an investment. Perhaps Shawnee should pay more attention to cleaning up the area and then consider converting into something for the public.
You are bit judgemental, don't ya think? I live 1/2 a block north of the school. If the neighborhood was so horrible, and you think it wouldn't be optimal for bringing a "crowd worthy of investment", then why don't you stay on the north side of Shawnee and shut your trap. My husband and I happen to have very high IQ's, and my four children are healthy, smart, athletic, and make straight A's. I also happen to know a lot of very "worthy" people and their kids who live in this "horrible neighborhood". I would much rather live here than… Read more »
How did the Marilyn Bradford Demolition Crew miss this one?
Are people aloud to go inside the school to take photos or have photoshoots? Is there a certain authority that you would need to ask to have permission to go into the building? I have no intention on vandalising the building, just the way it looks, all run down, really sets the setting I'm trying to capture.
I remember this old school building
I went to school here 1954-60, sad to see it like this.
do you think they would sell it to a private owner
if someone had the money they could turn it into low income apartments or a homeless shelter….Shawnee has a lot of homeless people
I wish I could go back to this school again I had a good attitude__
I will all ways remember my friends an the classes I took here I hope their lives are wonderful an fulfilling
There's only 2 or 3 of these old WPA built schools left in Shawnee I'd like to see at least 1 of them saved for posterity!
Does anyone know who the owner is? I am trying to open a school and would love to bring this to life. Thanks.
They said the Shawnee School System owns the building and they leased the property from the city of Shawnee for 99 years.
Is it haunted and whats the address
This was my favorite school I went to other than the old Jr high School over on highland I went there when it was the 5th grade center
great school wonderful playground I remember mrs harrriston ms yancy ms Arnold what great memories
Where is this school located? I do photography and I've been looking everywhere for the address.