A Community in Crisis

The Rochester Community School District recently announced plans to vacate its current administration building and move to a newer building in the City of Rochester. The announcement was made during the RCS school board meeting on April 12 when the board passed a resolution to purchase the former Letica building on Dequindre Road. This decision by the school board means that the administration building on University will soon be vacated and likely sold. There are many facets to this decision.

The Rochester-Avon Historical Society (RAHS) understands that the school board and community at large do not fully know the history of the RCS Administration Building. You can read about the history of this important building using the links at the end of this article. In short:

"The site consists of the 1889 Harrison School building at the corner of Fourth and Wilcox Streets, the 1916 Rochester High School building at the corner of University Drive and Wilcox Street, and the 1928 building, which connects the 1889 and 1916 buildings. The site has been the location of a school building since 1847. The 1889 Harrison School building was placed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites in 1987."

There are several other historical connections to this site and building. RAHS is working on many ways to share the history of the RCS Administration Building with the community. Per the RCS school board and superintendent Dr. Robert Shaner, a citizens group will be formed to discuss the future of the building. RAHS has been assured it will have a seat at the table.

Recently, Michigan reinstated the historic preservation tax credits. This bi-partisan initiative to bring back the tax credits helps to significantly reduce the costs of renovation and restoration on eligible buildings. The RCS Administration building is eligible because it is on the State Register of Historic Places. The Rochester-Avon Historical Society urges the school board to reassess the building using a certified historic preservation architect and specialist. It is necessary so that a fairer assessment can be reviewed and considered by the citizens committee.

Historic preservation can be compatible with development. It is also a keen economic development tool and is an environmentally friendly way to develop properties. Many residents of the area cite the community's historic charm. But that historic character will be irrevocably damaged if we lose the administration building to demolition.

A historical marker was never erected on the site of the administration building despite its listing on the state register. However, a marker and listing do not protect a historic resource from being demolished. The only way to protect our remaining historic resources is for citizens to get involved. While the society appreciates the frustrations and opinions citizens share on social media, it takes more than commenting online. Concerned citizens need to rally around our historic sites in major ways.

What can you do?

1. Write articles and editorials to the papers (online and print) expressing your opinions.
2. Attend city council and school board meetings and give respectful public opinion.
3. Find others to volunteer with you.
4. Join the society and help conduct walking tours & raise awareness.
5. Raise funds for the society.
6. Spearhead community efforts by chairing our committees.
7. If you attended school in the RCS Administration Building contact us. We have a project in the works.
8. Learn about the historic preservation tax credits and share the information with friends and family.
9. Join the Rochester Historical Commission and become a member of our other local history organizations.
10. Anything you can think of!

We all have so much to offer and just as much to lose without active participants and participation.

In addition to the administration building, the Rochester Elevator is on the line. The PCCA building – the former Avon Township Hall dating back to 1880 – could also one day be in jeopardy. Some in the community think we have enough historical resources. This is simply not true. We are losing them at a rapid rate as development continues to soar and will pick up more robustly once the pandemic has ended.

RAHS will continue to find ways to raise awareness and fulfill our mission to educate the community about our historical resources and foster an appreciation for them. But we need your help and dedication to the cause.

Tiffany Dziurman
President
Rochester-Avon Historical Society

LINKS:

The history of the RCS Administration Building: https://theclio.com/entry/1056...

The RCS Administration Building WPA Mural: https://patch.com/michigan/roc...