Demolition of Hilliard Theater to Begin on Monday; Could Change Harding Middle School Commute

LAKEWOOD, OH — Demolition of the Hilliard Theater is scheduled to begin on Monday and some students at Harding Middle School may have to change their commute due to sidewalk closures. Joe Niemantsverdriet, Principal of Harding Middle School sent an email out to parents on Thursday to inform them of the closures.

"We have been informed of two sidewalk closures that will impact some of our students as they walk to and from school for approximately a month and a half," Niemantsverdriet said in the email.

The sidewalk on the north side of Hilliard from Woodward to Madison will be closed and the sidewalk on the south side of Madison from Woodward to Hilliard will be closed during the demolition and removal of the building. Students who use these sidewalks will need to walk on the side opposite to the closure. The demolition should be complete by mid-March.

See also: Photo Gallery of the old Hilliard Theater

The 89 year-old Hilliard Theater had first been deemed a nuisance in 2013. Safety measures such as the removal of the marquee and the placement of a fence around the front of the theater to protect pedestrians have already been taken. Crews have been busy with asbestos abatement and preparation for demolition.

A copy of the letter and a map of the affected areas can be found below.

Photo by Rick Uldricks/Patch

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