GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Former Kensington School students came together to reminisce about their time in the building on Wednesday.
The former students met in the school’s parking lot with hopes of touring the building. An organizer told FOX 17 about the planned gathering and it was reported Tuesday night.
A few dozen people showed up with hopes of seeing inside the building only to learn it was not safe to enter.
A Grand Rapids Schools spokesperson says a former student who organized the gathering was told last week the building had safety concerns and a tour wasn’t possible.
"We were hopeful to offer a tour of the old Kensington School, but unfortunately, we were unable to do so after examining the condition of the building's interior. We informed organizers last week that due to vandalism and safety concerns, our team determined that it was not appropriate to conduct a tour inside the building at this time. We were pleased to see that those who have cherished memories of the school were able to gather and reminisce safely outside the building."
READ MORE: Former Kensington student shares memories, after GRPS board votes to demolish building
FOX 17/Bower
On Monday, the board for Grand Rapids Public Schools voted to demolish the now empty building, after turning down proposals to develop the space.
Although the former students were unable to enter the building, they did take time to share yearbook photos with each other.
“All the fun stuff we had here at Kensington, all the nice memories,” said Nickels. “We would walk up to Hall School back when the vaccine was being tested to get a shot. Now who would walk that far nowadays?”
Clarification: An earlier version did not include comment from the district about safety concerns raised in advance of the gathering on Wednesday.
