Bricks from Libertyville’s demolished Brainerd Building could be made available for purchase, but school officials say they need to know people want the mementos before money is spent scavenging the site.
Yasmine Dada, an assistant superintendent for School District 128, said about 2,000 intact bricks will be saved for a memorial. However, she’s willing to set aside between 500 and 1,000 more to sell to the community.
Brainerd was built in 1917 and was known as Libertyville Township High School until around 1953 when the present day campus opened. Brainerd’s use reduced over the years and served as a freshman-only campus in 1999 when classes stopped.
A group of local historians pushed to save the building and turn it into a community center, but low fundraising levels led to an $11.5 million referendum. Libertyville voters overwhelmingly rejected the idea and demolition began in December.
“Former students and even some current teachers who worked at Brainerd have asked us if we’re selling bricks,” Dada said. “But there is a cost associated with each brick, so we need to be certain that people are interested.”
Part of the demolition contract allows crews to crush remaining debris and mix it with dirt to fill the building’s foundation, Dada said. With less solid material to help build a steady base, the district would have to buy other materials, she continued.
“Plus, someone has to sort through the piles, and only demolition crews are allowed on site. I’ve been told they find one good brick for every 10 or 20 damaged ones,” Dada said. “Then each bricks needs to be washed so we don’t get anyone sick. The whole process isn’t exactly free to us.”
District 128 would pass along that cost to whoever buys a brick. Dada said she’d like to also add a charitable portion to the price of each brick. That added cost would help an academic program at Libertyville High School.
So far, Dada doesn’t know how much each brick could cost, or even who at the school district would handle the project.
“Right now we’re focusing on the feedback,” Dada said. “If we decide to move forward with this, we’ll be sure to put something in our various publications and social media sites.”
Anyone who may want a brick is encouraged to call the district office at (847) 247-4500.
Twitter: @Rick_Kambic
