Tacoma’s Washington Elementary School is getting a huge makeover all because voters passed one of the largest bond measures in the city’s history.
Rooms have been gutted, asbestos has been removed and construction workers have ripped out the 100-year-old cabinets and floors. During the process, they are finding several old gems, from insulation wrapping to old homework from the 1940s stuffed in heating vents.
The school is on the National Register of Historic Places. The district must follow strict guidelines to restore the façade, but the inside can be completely rebuilt and upgraded.
Old memorabilia that is found will be on display at the new school.
It’s expected to re-open next year. In the meantime, students are being bused several miles away to Hunt Middle School.
