Lebanon School District is soliciting bids for demolition of the former Lebanon Catholic School as well as additional structures on the 1400 Chestnut St. campus, including the historic Donaghmore Mansion.
The district previously solicited bids for asbestos removal at the site. In September, the project was awarded to low bidder Ecoservices LLC, for $301,412.20. That work, according to the project description, must be completed by Dec. 12. The demolition work may commence towards the end of that project, according to bid documents, with the awarded bidder expected to get the green light to start work the week of Dec. 1.
Read More: Lebanon School District solicits bids for asbestos abatement at Lebanon Catholic
According to the project specifications, prepared by Steckbeck Engineering & Surveying Inc., the demolition must be substantially complete by Feb. 27, with final completion in March.
Bids are due the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Built as a residence for manager of the long-gone Dudley Furnace, the Donaghmore Mansion is remembered today as the home of the Patch family, one of Lebanon’s best-known military families. Gen. Alexander “Sandy” M. Patch, a storied World War II commander, grew up there.
Read More:
- [Letter] Descendant of WWII general asks Lebanon board to save historic mansion
- [Letter] Preservationist urges Lebanon SD to save 150-year-old Patch estate
- Lebanon Catholic property contains the Donaghmore Mansion and the historic Patch estate
Lebanon School District superintendent Nicole Malinoski said that the board and administration toured the mansion last month and consulted with the district’s architectural team to evaluate the condition of the structure.
“The assessment confirmed that the cost to renovate the building would be significant, and the district has no operational need for a residential structure on the future site,” said Malinoski.
“The district is using taxpayer funds wisely, making thoughtful, informed decisions about its properties, and balancing financial responsibility with respect for history and community value.”
Malinoski said that while the building cannot be feasibly restored, the district is committed to honoring the legacy of Colonel Patch and the property’s history.
“Plans include incorporating stone from the existing building into a commemorative feature on the future site,” said Malinoski. “In addition, the cross that once adorned the front of the school has been carefully removed and will be donated to a local entity for preservation.”
Malinoski said the district’s goal was to make decisions with the property that “respect both its fiscal responsibility and the community’s connection to the site’s historic significance.”
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