On January 11, 2025, the delay for demolition of the Ellis Street Graded School expires. This means the iconic 1881 structure will be torn down if our efforts to save it fail.

In June 2023, the historic Ellis Street Graded School was struck by lightning, resulting in a three-alarm fire. While the aftermath was devastating, the brick walls remain mostly intact. Eddie Belk of Belk Architecture visited the site in November 2023 and stated that in his expert opinion that "it would be a crime" for the school to be demolished. He felt confident it would be very doable to resurrect with what remains. Due to the importance of this structure in the community and the expert advice we've received on the structural feasibility to restore it, Historic Salisbury Foundation is committed to saving the school. On October 31, 2024, HSF offered the owners, Power Cross, $100,000 for the building and the immediate surrounding property. At this time, we have not heard back. The school has said that they've made adjustments with no longer having the space, and it has not really affected their ministry. On the other hand, an additional $100,000 could do wonderful things to help them fulfill their mission. 

Why is it important?

Ellis Street Graded School is the oldest public school in Salisbury. Built in 1881, the school is the heart the local historic district, even serving as the namesake for the Ellis Street Graded School Historic District. It is the second oldest school of its type in the state, and was also the first school in Rowan County to integrate in 1962. Such rich history should not be met with a bulldozer.

Why is it not protected? 

While Ellis Street Graded School is located in a local historic district, Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission can only delay demolition, not stop it completely. The longest delay possible is 365 days, which will be January 11, 2025. 

What will happen with the land after?

The owners, Power Cross, a Christian ministry whose mission surrounds youth athletics, do not have a plan for the portion of the property where the school currently is other than to "plant grass," as they stated at the Historic Preservation Committee meeting. 

We hope you'll join us in this petition to stop Power Cross from tearing down an iconic structure so important to Salisbury's history! The school CAN be preserved and time is of the essence!