Historic church, school set for demolition

Staff Writer

A nearly century-old church and school on Laney-Walker Boulevard could fall victim to the wrecking ball this week, despite efforts by historic-preservation groups to save them.

Demolition of the former church and school buildings could begin as soon as today, despite preservation groups' efforts to save them.

MEG MIRSHAK/STAFF

The auditorium of the former Immaculate Conception School on 11th Street is set to be demolished, along with two classroom buildings and the former sanctuary. After its establishment in 1913, hundreds of children in the Laney-Walker neighborhood attended the school.

Preston Tutt, the vice president of Tutt Contracting Inc., said the demolition of the Immaculate Conception buildings is pending clearance that all asbestos has been removed.

A single-story classroom building facing 11th Street would be the first to go, possibly as soon as today, followed by a two-story classroom building, the former sanctuary and the auditorium.

After the concrete parking lots are removed, grass seed and mulch will be spread to cover the lot, Tutt said. Crews worked Monday to prepare for the demolition.

The church and school were established in 1913 by the African Missionary Fathers of the Catholic Church. Over the years, Laney-Walker neighborhood children of all faiths were educated by Franciscan sisters and lay people.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah moved the schools operations to Telfair Street in 2009. Since then, the diocese has been unable to sell the property, which was listed for close to $550,000, and the buildings continued to deteriorate.

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Historic church, school set for demolition