The old Lansford High School Building.

Some know it as the former Panther Valley Middle School.

It was a jewel in the heart of town. So sturdy, it was once considered a fallout shelter.

Built in 1916, the building showcased the vitality of bustling Lansford, a vibrant community roaring upward to its heyday.

“By 1920, the population of the town had reached 9,625. This was Lansford’s peak, as well as the peak for anthracite coal,” says the narrative of the Lansford Historic District nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Lansford High School building boasts one of the most impressive theater auditoriums in the region, a venue that hosted all of the biggest indoor events.

In fact, the school was cleverly designed as three stories of perimeter classrooms which encircle the grand auditorium and balcony.

But today, the complex is 16,176 square feet of uncertainty.

Turmoil

The now-distressed property has been batted about like a hot potato ever since the school closed in August 2007.

At first, demolition seemed inevitable. The Rite Aid drugstore chain was interested in the property but eventually deemed the parcel too small.

In September 2008, the Panther Valley School Board agreed to give the building to the borough.

But a month later, the borough decided it wasn’t interested.

Early in 2009, the school board decided to sell it, figuring they’d demolish it if they couldn’t find a buyer.

Shortly after, the borough became interested again.

Ultimately, the district sold it to Andy Webber, who paid $150, the sole bid.

However, Webber’s plans for a community center at the site fizzled. He reportedly was unable to find volunteers and unable to build support for his idea.

Within a span of four years, he tore out metal for scrap salvage, including a high wrought iron fence surrounding the property. He also sold a parcel of the land to American Fire Co. #1 for $15,000. Finally, Webber defaulted on parcel tax payments and moved away, leaving the county.

Another chance

Two months ago, ambitious developer Andy Pedraza of Long Pond acquired ownership.

Pedraza isn’t quite sure what the future holds but would like to see the property benefit the community in some fashion.

“I’ll look into possibilities,” he says.

Perhaps it could be an apartment complex, he suggests, although doing so would require destruction of the auditorium.

It’s an auditorium that was once the pride of the community. It hosted just about any kind of event one can think of.

It’s the same auditorium that saw performances by the Lansford High School Band led by a gifted, up-and-coming director, Tommy Dorsey, now a music legend.

Present situation notwithstanding, Lansford High School was a vital, stellar component of the community. But what about its future?

Pedraza says he’d like to pursue potential grants if any are available.

He’s open to ideas and input, especially avenues that would make a project financially viable.

For instance, the building is a strong contributing resource to the Lansford National Historic District and could be eligible for specific grants if funding is available.

On Dec. 3, Padraza brought in architects to examine the structure and offer advice. He’ll study their report and consider his options.

The future of the site hangs in the balance.

Is there a way for the Lansford High School building to return to glory as a jewel of downtown?