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DRAPER — Draper city leaders and members of the community are at odds over the fate of a historic building.
The Draper Park School was built more than 100 years ago. City leaders say it breaks safety standards, but some residents say it's part of their history and they want it in their future.
"This really is the heart of the city. It's where the community comes together," said former Draper resident Julie Walker.
Now closed, the brick structure built in 1912 was once alive with holiday parties, weddings, performances and elementary education.
"The school has always been in my life," said Walker.
Both Walker's grandmother and mother attended the Draper Park School.
"It's this historic piece we have that can connect us to the past," said Walker.
Now deemed unsafe, the structure doesn't meet safety codes, said Jeff Stenquist with the city. Six months ago, the city banned anyone from entering.
Architect Allen Roberts was hired by the Utah Historic Preservation group to assess the building. He's compiled three studies since the mid-1990s.
"It looks to be in shabby condition because it's been vacant, but in fact it's got good bones," said Roberts.
He said the building needs to be renovated. It contains asbestos, lead paint and needs to be seismically upgraded, he said. The city said renovation would cost several million dollars, but tearing it down would cost $200,000.
For former students like Todd Shoemaker, there's no price too high to keep the Draper Park School standing.
"At all costs," Shoemaker said.
No decision has been made, and city leaders said there's no deadline. They are asking for public input. Find contact information for Draper City at http://www.draper.ut.us/.
