LANSING, Mich. – A passionate group of community members gathered at Lansing City Hall recently, urging the city to reconsider plans for the demolition of Eastern High School. The school, nearly a century old, has deep emotional and historical significance for many in the Greater Lansing area, and some locals are rallying to preserve parts of the building, particularly the West Wing and auditorium.
“The Eastern grads are many in this town,” said Linda Peckham, a member of the Coalition to Preserve Eastern High School and Promote Mental Health. “There are hundreds and hundreds of us who vote and are deeply attached to the building for emotional and personal reasons. It’s a beautiful structure, and it means a lot to our community.”
For some, the connection to Eastern High School runs deep. Faye Norris, another member of the coalition, spoke about the generational ties to the building. “I have four younger sisters, and we all graduated from Eastern, and even my mother graduated from Eastern,” she explained. “It’s not just a school; it’s part of our family’s history.”
Despite the emotional appeal, the building’s condition has raised concerns. The coalition is advocating for the preservation of select parts of the school, though experts agree that the structure is in severe disrepair. Margaret Dimond, regional president of U-M Health, pointed out the challenges of keeping the building intact.
“The building is quite dilapidated,” Dimond stated. “The auditorium has issues with water intrusion, mold—black mold—and asbestos. Anyone entering the building should wear an N95 mask. The condition of the structure makes it clear that saving the entire building is not an option.”
Dimond elaborated on the extent of the damage, revealing that much of the water damage is hidden behind the walls, complicating any potential repairs. “I don’t think they fully understand how much water intrusion there is behind the walls,” she said.
Though the coalition is realistic about the building’s deteriorating state, they still hope to preserve pieces of its historic architecture. Dimond mentioned that efforts are underway to save artifacts such as the building’s beautiful arches and the iconic cupola. These elements could be displayed in a new park or another location, allowing the community to retain a connection to the past.
While the coalition’s concerns are grounded in preservation, they are not opposed to the development of a new mental health facility, which is the primary reason for the proposed demolition. “We’re not against mental health care,” Peckham said. “We understand the need for a new facility. But we’re asking for a pause in the demolition to allow a preservation analysis to be conducted.”
The city, however, is moving forward with plans for demolition. Mayor Andy Schor issued a statement saying that if Sparrow Health meets all the necessary requirements, the city will be obligated to issue a permit for demolition. Schor also noted that if the city were to intervene in the process, it could face a lawsuit, potentially costing taxpayers money while still resulting in the loss of the building.
As the debate continues, the city of Lansing faces a difficult decision: how to balance the preservation of its historical landmarks with the evolving needs of the community. While both sides acknowledge the importance of mental health services, the fate of Eastern High School remains uncertain, and the community is left grappling with how to best honor its past while embracing the future.
