The Historic 103 year old Draper Park School located in the South end of the Salt Lake Valley needs a new vision. Fast. The school, which is on the National Historic Register, is scheduled to be demolished by Sept. 15, 2014.
In an attempt to preserve the school, a group of citizens has created The Arts at THE PARK committee to investigate the possibility of reviving a 2001 plan created by Salt Lake architecture firm Cooper, Roberts, Simonsen Associates (CRSA) to reimagine the school as a Community Arts Center, complete with theater for performing arts. The committee is collaborating with local preservation and arts groups as well as many local civic and government leaders.
The committee has been given until August 30, 2014 to present a fully funded proposal to the city of Draper for consideration. Supporters are hoping that requests to the Draper City Council for an extension of 1 year will be granted. Additional time will allow for fundraising and application for grants.
The Park School is an asset that advocates feel would best serve the community by being transformed into a vibrant community arts center that could provide a much needed arts venue for the South end of the Salt Lake Valley by providing classes, events, art galleries, and rental opportunities. The nearby Trax station would provide easy access for those in the Salt Lake Valley to come and enjoy the unique heritage of Draper and take advantage of the walkable historic downtown area.
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