Part Two: The Future of J.E. Clark: What DPSCD Plans for the Site

When J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy closed its doors after 100 years this spring, one of the biggest questions facing the Morningside community was simple: What will happen to the property?

Following a recent community meeting with Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) officials, the district has now shared its long-term vision, and it may surprise many residents.

Rather than selling the property for redevelopment or leaving it blighted for years to come as many had assumed, DPSCD says it intends to retain ownership of the land even after the building is demolished.

District officials say that after demolition, the land will remain vacant for the foreseeable future, with the hope that one day, as Detroit's population grows and neighborhood enrollment increases, it could once again become the home of a new school. While that timeline could be decades away, the district says preserving the property ensures future generations will have space for educational facilities if the need returns.

Although demolition is expected in the next two years (see the chart below for the official DPSCD timeline), the building will not simply be abandoned until then. DPSCD says electricity will remain on, security cameras will stay operational, and the district does not plan to board up the exterior, citing concerns that boarded buildings can quickly become targets for vandalism and create the appearance of neglect.

Now of course, if community members see something suspicious on the property, they recommend calling 911, or reporting it to the non-emergency line.

Recognizing the important role J.E. Clark has played in Morningside for the past century, the district also shared plans to preserve the school's legacy through a commemorative memorial rock and keeping specific architectural elements from the building before demolition that will be part of a future DPSCD museum or display. For alumni and longtime community members hoping to say goodbye, the district representatives also mentioned potential tours of the building in the coming months.

While many residents appreciate the districts plan to think of the future, others worry that another vacant lot could add blight to our neighborhood if it is not wellkept. Some also believe the district should consider selling the site for affordable housing or other redevelopment that could bring new residents and investment to Morningside.

As the district moves forward with demolition planning, many in the community hope the site will be maintained so it remains a source of pride rather than another vacant space. Whatever the lot ends up as in the future, it is likely to remain a topic of conversation for years to come.