The city of Lawrenceville will soon be the owners of the former Lawrenceville High School property located at 503 Eighth Street in Lawrenceville.
The city council met in special session Wednesday afternoon and after entering into executive session with city attorney Mike Neal emerged after approximately 20 minutes and voted 7-0 to accept a settlement offer to purchase the location from its current owners.
The city will pay $50,000 as part of the terms of the acquisition and will be responsible for the future upkeep and eventual demolition of the dilapidated structure, the former school grounds and the parking lots. It is anticipated that EPA loan funding will be used by the city to cover the costs of the demolition work. It is hoped that the agreement can be finalized, and the takeover occur in a time period of 6 months to 1 years.
The former school was discontinued for use in 2013 when Lawrence Unit 20 opened its current new high school at 2200 James Street. It was sold by the district in 2014 and remained abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair. It caught fire and was gutted in 2017 and became a controversial eyesore for the city, who eventually went to court to try and get it cleaned up.
Mayor David Courtney says that the site is being planned as the eventual location for a new sanitary sewer plant
Knox County to host public meeting on solar projects
Red Hill Unit #10 hires new principal and adopts new student technology policy
Ameren announces proposed electric rate changes
Early childhood education programs earn highest rating
Illinois state sales tax reduction for school supplies to begin for parents
Illinois State Police opens another kiosk to help with FOID and concealed carry applications
Local man killed in a two vehicle accident
Celebrate 217 Concert Week with $26 grandstand tickets
New Office of Cybersecurity established in Indiana
FRESH begins across Illinois
Kratos completes $50 million state-of-the-art hypersonic systems payload integration facility in Indiana
FSSA to text HIP members about HIP work requirements
Lawrence County woman to be inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame
Strong storms batter Lawrence County
