But others argue that the old schools were better and more attractively constructed. Also, they are often centrally located in communities and tend to be smaller, something increasingly considered a plus. Kokomo's Howard School is a traditional structure but has been upgraded to include a satellite system and high-speed computer access lines. To tear it down would be a huge waste of money and community pride. Much new construction emphasizes spaciousness and light that old schools can't always provide.
Some preservationists say such standards often spell the end for old buildings.
In many cases, she says, renovation is the best decision for a community. But others say architects may make presentations that favor new construction. There's the demolition cost of the old school, the acquisition of a new site, and the loss of a sense of community. Also, she says, much new construction offers features like flat roofs, which are cheaper to build but more likely to require repair, due to leaking, within a decade or so. The sturdy brick exterior of the school stayed, along with decorative features like the front interior stairway.