Days could be numbered for century-old Anaconda school

A 104-year-old school building in Anaconda may need to be condemned or demolished if one school official's recommendation is carried through by the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioners.

[Restore]

I can't figure out why anyone would want to tear down the Daly Gym. Anaconda's ambience is its bread and butter. What are you going to replace the gym with? Or will it just become another Anaconda parking lot! This school super needs his head examined.

[Kathy Warne]

Restore. I agree that his age old building should be restored. This building is over a century old and you just want to tear it down. It has character for the community of Anaconda not to mention all the memories of the people - now older, have of that building. I learned to swim there many years ago. A million dollars is nothing compared to trillions that the US government is in debt!!!! SAVE THAT BUILDING.

[David Barrington]

While restoration would be a fine alternative to demolish the finances are not available for such an undertaking by either the community or the school system. However, in regard to the memories held in the building and the importance of health and fitness I suggest that the building be deconstructed and parts of the structure such as the basketball court, bricks, bathroom fixtures and possibly interior lighting be used in the construction of a new gym that is located at the North end of town near the Metcalf Building. This structure could provide a community gym and educational facility for classes to be offered through the hospital and other local health service providers. The gym equipment may be able to be purchased through a grant from HUD and a partnership with the Girl and Boy Scouts of America may reduce the cost of insurance. Additionally the YMCA may be contacted as an advisory panel for construction. The Community Center in Deerlodge may be used as an example of what Anaconda is hoping to develope. The former site of the Daly Gym could then provide additional parking for the highschool with a new outdoor grounds for communing in on warm days. The former square could be removed opening traffic through fifth street and reducing some traffic on fourth. This would also open access to the back alley way between AHS and the library which is a popular location for students who are electing to be diliquent. Therefore, this suggestion addresses the emotional, financial, and future concerns of both Anaconda City Schools and the Deerlodge County Community.

[L-Carver]

Great idea David. Thank you for your thoughtful and inciteful ideas. I just hope they get presented to the powers that be.

David Barrington wrote:

While restoration would be a fine alternative to demolish the finances are not available for such an undertaking by either the community or the school system. However, in regard to the memories held in the building and the importance of health and fitness I suggest that the building be deconstructed and parts of the structure such as the basketball court, bricks, bathroom fixtures and possibly interior lighting be used in the construction of a new gym that is located at the North end of town near the Metcalf Building. This structure could provide a community gym and educational facility for classes to be offered through the hospital and other local health service providers. The gym equipment may be able to be purchased through a grant from HUD and a partnership with the Girl and Boy Scouts of America may reduce the cost of insurance. Additionally the YMCA may be contacted as an advisory panel for construction. The Community Center in Deerlodge may be used as an example of what Anaconda is hoping to develope. The former site of the Daly Gym could then provide additional parking for the highschool with a new outdoor grounds for communing in on warm days. The former square could be removed opening traffic through fifth street and reducing some traffic on fourth. This would also open access to the back alley way between AHS and the library which is a popular location for students who are electing to be diliquent. Therefore, this suggestion addresses the emotional, financial, and future concerns of both Anaconda City Schools and the Deerlodge County Community.