Developer Wanted For Old High School

By Bruce Kettelle

Built in 1913, the last remaining building on the former high school site is heading for the wrecking claw unless an entrepreneur is found in time.

Trotwood Madison City Schools will vacate the landmark brick structure when they relocate their board offices to the former middle school next year. The board then plans to give the building the same fate as all their other vacated buildings.


The districts ambitious building construction program over the last six years has delivered a new high school, middle school, two elementary buildings and a pre-k.

But there are some in the community that would rather not see this building torn down. The Trotwood Madison Historical Society took a hard look at acquiring the building three years ago. Their analysis showed the building to be rehab-able but as a small organization they lacked the needed funding.

Since then the city has tried to identify possible takers and brought several prospects out for a tour. None of those have blossomed into a solution.

The district is willing to talk to anyone interested said assistant superintendent Rexann Wagner. “We do not want to be held responsible for another vacant building,” said Beverly explaining why they have budgeted to have it demolished.

She said the district does not have a recommendation for what the building could become, that would be up to the new owner. Presently the site is zoned residential and abuts an area zoned neighborhood business.

Former school buildings have been successfully redeveloped in other areas into apartments, condominiums and office space. Their unique architectural character has made them ongoing assets in those communities. One local success story occurred with West Milton’s high school, it is now senior apartments.

“I would like to see the building saved with an appropriate use,” said Regina Kleinhenz of the historical society. “It’s a piece of Trotwood history.”

She encouraged anyone in the community that may have contacts with any developers to let them know there is a great opportunity right here in Trotwood.