Built in 1914, the East Seattle School is regarded as a landmark, but is past its useful life, the Mercer Island Historical Society told the Reporter three years ago.

On Oct. 28, the city issued a demolition permit for the school, which is located at 2825 West Mercer Way. The city’s decision was informed by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which was completed by EA Engineering, Science and Technology and examined the potential impacts of different alternative actions.

An architectural assessment report in the final EIS, notes that, “for the most part the buildings have reached the end of their architectural lifespan without extensive, and costly rehabilitation.”

Demolition work is expected to begin later this year on the approximately 2.87-acre site, and according to the city website, the property will be subdivided into 14 residential lots.

According to the city following the delivery of EA’s final statement in August, an EIS identifies and analyzes probable adverse environmental impacts, reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation for a given action. Alternatives analyzed in this EIS by the city’s consultant include: demolition of the building with mitigation measures; retention of the building; and adaptive reuse of the building.

In its final statement, EA notes that if demolition were to occur, educational signage would be installed at the site to commemorate the building.

“Following a multi-year permit review process, the city looks forward to working with neighbors and the applicant to ensure a well-regulated redevelopment process,” said City Manager Jessi Bon.

On Oct. 29, the Mercer Island Historical Society sent the Reporter the following statement: “It’s unfortunate that the East Seattle School, the Island’s oldest public building, will be demolished in the process of developing 14 homes on the site. The Mercer Island Historical Society has worked for years to save it, but, unfortunately, the building does not lend itself to other uses in that location, and other options have not presented themselves. We have been in contact with the owner’s representatives regarding the site, and we anticipate talking further with the developer about mitigation options for this historic site.”

As noted in a previous Reporter story, the historical society would like to see a small portion of the building – the steps or the front archway – preserved as a monument to East Seattle School for future generations.

The city notes that conditions of approval have been added to the demolition permit, requiring the applicant to take measures to mitigate the impact of the demolition on historic resources, as well as other standard measures such as protecting trees, installing erosion and sediment control and more. The final EIS adds that areas outside of the demolition area onsite would be maintained as is under existing conditions, including retention of trees, lawn and landscaped areas.

At a Feb. 27 public meeting to discuss a draft EIS, about 20 people attended and discussed preserving all or parts of the building, and voiced concerns about the property’s upkeep, current use and safety for the neighborhood.

One commenter on the city’s website strongly opposed the demolition of the school, and added that, “Despite decades of willful neglect, it still stands as a symbol of the only unifying civic ideal the Mercer Island community has maintained in its history — the education of Island kids.”

Another commenter gave some suggestions on the area’s design if the demolition were to occur: “With this large property and the proximity to Secret Park and the waterfront landings, I hope that the design will take in the opportunity to tie the two together either with a nice sidewalk set back from W. Mercer Way or preferably a sidewalk through the site getting pedestrians away from W. Mercer.”

The property is now privately owned by Michael O’Brien, who purchased it in 2007 for $6 million. The Reporter reached out to OB Mercer Island Properties, LLC for a comment but hadn’t received a response at post time.

The East Seattle School has four classrooms and a play space. The main entrance to the school, built in 1914, was originally on the west side, as shown above. Photo courtesy of the Museum of History and Industry