WARWICK, RI — There’s just property at the Rhodes School property at 110 Sherwood Ave. following the successful demolition of the building, a port-a-potty the sole structure standing Friday.
Friday morning, two trucks idled on the site, each bearing sections of a large piece of construction equipment used in the demolition, their drivers readying to haul the machinery to its next task. The demolition is prelude to redevelopment of the property by h.a. Fisher Homes, which plans to build 30 single-family houses at the site.
“For many, this is a bittersweet moment. While the deteriorating building has been an eyesore in the neighborhood for almost a decade, so many have so many memories of their home elementary school,” said Warwick City Councilman Jeremy Rix in an email to his Ward 2 constituents announcing the end of demolition at the site.
Rix said in his email that about 100 interested residents had taken advantage of commemorative bricks from the school as momentoes. The bricks were provided by Hugh Fisher, owner of h.a. Fisher Homes, and stenciled by Marc Berman, he said.
In return, Berman and Rix suggested, but did not require, a donation to the RI Community Food Bank.
“As every dollar helps support an important cause, we hope that those with the means will have the willingness to donate, but, there’s no pressure, as we don’t want a suggested donation to be a barrier for anyone,” Rix wrote.
While the first brick pickup was Dec. 28, Rix said he and Berman will likely hold another event to distribute bricks to people interested who weren’t able to make that date. Interested Rhodes School fans may contact him at [email protected].
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