LANSING, Mich. — Protesters gathered outside the old Eastern High School building Monday afternoon, and they are expected to voice their concerns once again during the city council meeting that evening. Their fight centers on preserving the west wing and the auditorium of the nearly century-old structure, which has been slated for demolition.
The school building, which served as a cornerstone of the Lansing community for almost 100 years, was purchased by Sparrow Health in 2016. Since then, the property has changed hands and is now owned by University of Michigan Health-Sparrow. Sparrow has repeatedly stated that the building is in poor condition, citing issues such as black mold, water leakage, and asbestos. The company has made clear that they plan to demolish the building to make way for a new mental health facility on the site.
Despite these claims, many alumni and community members are pushing back, hoping to save parts of the school, particularly the auditorium. Emily Banner, an alumna of Eastern High School, expressed her concerns about the loss of a historical landmark.
“The historical part that is in the auditorium, you know, just a historical building itself. The auditorium is what we’re trying to fight to, absolutely,” said Banner. “There’s so much history in there, and it hasn’t been touched since 1928. Now, that’s pretty amazing.”
The building, which once hosted generations of students, holds a special place in the hearts of many who spent their formative years within its walls. While protesters acknowledge the challenges in saving the structure, their message remains clear: they are willing to fight to preserve the legacy of Eastern High School.
However, Sparrow Health, as the current property owner, has the final authority on what happens to the site. The company’s plans for the property involve the creation of a much-needed mental health facility, a service that advocates argue is crucial for the community. Despite the mounting protests, Sparrow’s position on the matter appears firm.
The debate over the future of the Eastern High School building highlights the tension between the preservation of historical sites and the demands of modern development. As the city council prepares to hear from both sides, the community remains divided over how to balance progress with the desire to protect its past.
