Architectural Treasure From Demolished School Finds New Home

A piece of old Condon School, which served Cincinnati Public Schools’ students from 1928-1982, now is part of the new Rockdale Academy

An elaborate terra-cotta architectural piece from the parapet of old Condon School now adorns an outside wall of the new Rockdale Academy.

The colorful terra-cotta piece — depicting a globe and an American flag motif — was carefully removed during Summer 2002 before demolition of the Condon School. The new Rockdale was built in Avondale on the site of the demolished Condon, in 1928.

Piece by piece, a mason installs a terra-cotta sculpture salvaged from the old Condon School onto a wall of new Rockdale Academy.

Several other architectural pieces, such as Rookwood tile from around a fireplace, were removed before Condon came down and will be incorporated into new construction under way with Cincinnati Public Schools’ Facilities Master Plan.

In spring 2002, the Cincinnati Board of Education established the Building Artifacts Fund. Donations and other money designated for the fund will help pay to salvage, store and re-use architectural elements from older schools slated to be closed during the 10-year Facilities Master Plan.

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