By JIM BUTLER
For almost a century Bolton High School’s iconic windows have provided a view to the world, and in a notable instance, outer space, to students.
As the school approaches a structural and student body metamorphosis, concerned alumni and preservationists are asking for a voice in deciding how upcoming remodeling and reconstruction impacts those windows.
The classical revival structure on Vance Avenue is listed on the National Registration of Historic Places. Among the students who may have gazed out of those windows was future U.S. astronaut Daniel Berry (Class of 1971).
In a letter to Supt. Jeff Powell and School Board President Dr. Stephen Chapman, alumni association officers ask for a sit down within 10 days to discuss their concerns as well as what the board has in mind.
Changes are coming in the physical plant as the school prepares for a shift next summer to grades 6-12 and the following school year, or as soon as practical thereafter, to pre K-12 magnet format. The change was approved by the board last week.
The alumni association is also conducting an online petition drive to support its requests. More than 1,000 persons had responded through Tuesday afternoon. (The petition can be read at boltonalumni.org.)
“The undersigned write to you as business owners, taxpayers, parents, educators, preservationists, and community leaders. We are advocates for modern, functional school infrastructure that serves students’ needs, and we believe this goal can be achieved in harmony with the preservation of our historic structures if appropriate consideration is applied.
“Our immediate concern is the recent disclosure of the proposal to utilize funds from the District 62 Bond (the ‘Bond’ or ‘Bond Funds,’ as contextually appropriate) for the replacement of windows at Bolton High School.
“We appreciate that the Board, along with its construction and design partners, has worked diligently for the last four years to involve the public in discussions related to the Bond; however, given that the proposed window project at Bolton did not appear in publicly-available materials before June of this year, and that the character of a wholesale window replacement on a historic structure must be considered beyond the scope of ‘miscellaneous renovations,’ we consider our inquiry timely and respectfully ask that it be given attention appropriate to its gravity,” the letter states.
“While Bolton holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many as an educational institution, Bolton High School as a structure possesses a unique character among RPSB facilities.
“No other building in the district holds the independent architectural significance of Bolton, and perhaps no other is as emblematic of the success or failure of its surrounding community.
“The district holds both the honor and the burden of being the ultimate custodian of the architectural integrity that underpins those defining traits.
“We feel that this matter has broader implications for the stewardship of our community’s historical legacy, as well as for maintenance of the public trust in the Board’s ability to demonstrate its transparency and responsiveness.
“It is our intent to articulate why we believe any alterations should be made with a deep appreciation for the historical context and architectural significance that this school represents,” the signers state.
In addition to the association president, Jennifer Wright, and vice president, Stephen Tumminello, signers include Dorman Clayton, retired director of facilities & construction for the Rapides school system; Phoebe Taylor, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, National Trust for Historic Preservation; and Megan Lord, owner of a preservation and design firm active in the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Of the many architectural elements that define Bolton, windows are the most numerous and hold the most significant architectural weight. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the school’s architectural character, and they were also originally designed to achieve the functional aim of providing cross-ventilation to a structure that was built before modern air conditioning was available.
“Maintenance and repair of original architectural features is a regular task for all owners of historic structures, and custodians of National Register-listed buildings must take extra care to ensure their repairs do not adversely affect their building’s original style, materials, and detailing. “Complete replacement with modern materials is well-documented as a last resort among preservationists and architects who emphasize that unsympathetic alterations can result in the loss of a building’s National Register listing.
“A decision to replace Bolton’s windows would be effectively irreversible, and thus all appropriate prudence must be brought to bear.
“Given the foregoing concerns, we respectfully request that the following information be made available for public consideration:
- Reasons for Window Replacement: Please provide a detailed explanation of why the windows at Bolton High School are slated for replacement, including any structural or safety concerns, along with the assessment documenting the current condition of each window upon which project administrators have relied.
- Types of Windows: Please provide information about the types of windows being considered for use in replacement, including manufacturer, profiles, measurements, and examples of other historic properties where these windows have been installed.
- Alternative Considerations: What repair and restoration options were explored as alternatives to replacement?
- Proposed Costs: What is the estimated cost for the proposed window replacement, and what, if any, projects on the original slate of Bond items will be supplanted if the proposal is carried out? What is the alternative estimated cost of repair for windows that require it?
- Other Relevant Details: We further request any additional details regarding this proposal or any other that may impact the architectural or historical integrity of Bolton High School.
“As this project is not scheduled to be placed for bids for several more weeks, we kindly ask that no final decisions or commitments be made until all interested parties have had ample opportunity to review and comment on the above-listed deliverables.
“Transparency and community representation are essential in ensuring that the use of Bond Funds aligns with the public’s interest and the preservation of our historic structures. To that end we further request a meeting between the signatories to this letter and the appropriate RPSB and Bond project decisionmakers within the next ten business days to review the requested materials and to discuss how our respective groups might work together to advance our common interest in the responsible stewardship of Bolton High School.”
Editor’s note: The reporter of this story is a Bolton graduate.