I'm so sorry that such a large, beautiful building was demolished. It would seem as though it could have been converted to apartments. I suppose the funds to manage that would have been dreadful. When our local junior high (which was actually two older schools) was deemed unacceptable for students, it was sold to be made into apartments for the elderly. I was grateful the buildings were spared.

http://www.treanorarchitects.com/treanor-preservation/pioneer-presidents-place/
I was so proud of our community for coming together to save the school buildings and give them a vital purpose.

Upon reflection, I realize that I could qualify to live in the old schools! And here I thought "elderly" was a longer way to go for me.