Demolition is underway at Burlington’s former James Madison Middle School. The school closed in 2012 after years of declining enrollment and deteriorating facilities, including a failing roof.
The district chose to replace the aging middle school rather than spend more than a million dollars on a new roof. A Cedar Rapids demolition company was awarded a $492,000 contract, with the work expected to be completed by early December.
Much of the building is being salvaged, including the gym floor and boiler system. The district’s 9.8-acre property is also being considered for development into about 30 residential lots.