Sunday, March 19, 2017

Montopolis School still stands.

Today, Montopolis Church of Christ better known as the Montopolis School, is currently located in its same position as an original steel framework structure. The school building is rotting away due to neglect and lack of upkeep in terms of maintenance. Montopolis School can be defined as a symbol of urban decay. Signs of vandalism and graffiti are evident.

On the date of 1/3/2017, Austin Stonewall filed an application for demolition to build 15 single family units and apartments as part of his original real estate plan with KEEP Investment Group/Real Estate. Austin Statesman reports it is more than likely at some point that the Montopolis School will be demolished. Austin Statesman reports historic properties like the Montopolis School are extremely vulnerable to demolition even thought the city has recommended to initiate historic zoning to keep the Montopolis School from being demolished after they determined the building to be historic. This building qualifies for a historical landmark designation, but that alone will not be enough to save the school from further demolition.

Plaintiffs Austin Stonewall and KEEP Investment Group are pushing for demolition in order for 15 single-family units to be on the property. These 15 single-family units will be built on 2 rectangular acres. The City of Austin and real estate developers are currently debating the outcome for the Montopolis School. Still nothing has been implemented or decided yet by the city. Austin Stonewall currently owns property of the land where for which the Montopolis School is located on.

Many groups want the city to keep the school by using empty land as a park and school as a museum. These groups pressed city hall to preserve the Montopolis School by issuing the property with a historical landmark. The Montopolis Neighborhood Association called upon City of Austin to buy the Montopolis School from Austin Stonewall (Austin Stowell) of KEEP Investment Group.

The location is 500 Montopolis Drive, Austin, Texas, US 78741.

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