On 20 April 2009, Reuse Team Members John Lauber, Steve Edwins, and Steve Wilmot toured the Kasson School to collect preliminary data on the historic structure. The team members explored the building from top to bottom documenting the roof and attic spaces all the way down to the boiler room. The day long examination included bucket lift access to the roofs as well as more ordinary walking the hallways and visiting the classrooms.

The team documented the current condition of the school – both inside and out, through photography and verification of floor plan layout, not having original floor plan drawings, as well as field notes and sketches. General conditions of the building were noted, as well as more detailed notes on key features of the building.

A key aspect of the reuse is documenting the existing spaces of the school and determining their arrangement and how flexible they are, such that reuse options can be weighed and compared for ‘best fit’ to the existing spaces. This includes analysis of various interior partitions to see which are load-bearing, which are original, and which have been added more recently.

Special architectural features of the building were noted and further documented. Evidence of skylights was found in the ceiling and attic areas of the gym (upper level of the central block) and the assembly room (upper level of the northern block). Other features of note include the original stair railings and the glazed brick of the main entry vestibule and corridor.

The data collected will be used as a starting point for examining potential new uses for the building, allowing uses to be tested for size, fit, special requirements, building access and safety exiting. This information, coupled with that gathered at the upcoming community input sessions will be the basis for the final report on reuse options to be prepared by the Reuse Team.

- submitted by S Wilmot 4/27