EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Fabens Independent School District says it doesn’t have the money to restore its fire-damaged Annex Building and is moving ahead with plans to sell it.
The Fabens Independent School Board has authorized the district’s superintendent to put the badly damaged Annex Building, which used to be the high school, up for sale.
“To address these challenges, the Board has authorized the Superintendent to advertise the building for sale. This sale will be contingent upon the purchaser agreeing to restore and maintain the building in a way that preserves its historical character while providing a public and educational benefit to Fabens ISD students and the broader community,” the district said.
An early morning fire on Jan. 16 severely damaged the Annex Building, which was the district’s original high school and is 100 years old.
While acknowledging the building’s “historical and cultural significance,” the district says it does not have the money to restore the building by itself.
“This decision reflects the district’s commitment to balancing historic preservation with the safety and financial responsibilities of the community. The district will continue to engage with local stakeholders and potential partners to explore solutions that honor the legacy of the building while meeting the current and future needs of our students,” the district said.
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