WSD seeks public input for potential civic auditorium site use

WALLACE – For years, the Wallace School District (WSD) has sought ways to revitalize the Civic Auditorium, but with little success. Now, new findings about the building’s condition and the high cost of repairs may chart a controversial course for its future. 

Earlier this year, WSD Superintendent Todd Howard told the News-Press that the district was working with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) to complete a hazardous material evaluation of the building. In addition, several local engineering firms were brought in to assess the facility’s infrastructure. 

“The most recent evaluation of the facility resulted in the identification of multiple hazardous materials and countless issues with structural components, heat, electrical, and plumbing systems of the facility,” Howard said. “Ultimately, the costs of hazard mitigation and remodeling/replacement of the facility will be in the millions or tens of millions depending on the scope of that size of a project.” 

In response, the Wallace School Board formed a committee to explore all possible options for the building’s future. As part of this effort, a public survey was recently released to gather community input on how the space could be used if the building were removed. 

Howard emphasized that the board is committed to keeping the space public, regardless of the outcome. 

“The purpose of the survey is to gather WSD patron feedback on how the district should repurpose the area,” Howard said. 

The survey asks residents to rank their interest in various park features, such as playground equipment, athletic courts, historical monuments, water features, open spaces, and outdoor classrooms. It also includes questions about potential themes, frequency of use, and other preferences. 

The future of the Civic Auditorium is expected to be a topic of discussion at upcoming school board meetings, including the possibility of a vote on demolition. 

“No final decisions have been made,” Howard said. “A more definitive plan will be developed following the board’s decision.” 

Despite the building’s deteriorating condition, many Wallace residents have voiced strong opposition to its demolition due to its historical and cultural significance. Among them is Josh Cantamessa, who wrote a passionate letter to the editor in 2022. 

“We are all better off with this facility functioning as it should, and if we don’t act now — we will never have something like this in Wallace again,” Cantamessa wrote. “We saved the downtown, the Depot, the pool, and protected the hillsides. It’s time to bring (the) Civic Auditorium back to its glory so we can all celebrate together again.” 

Built in 1946, the Civic Auditorium originally served as the gymnasium and auditorium for Wallace High School and was dedicated to local World War II veterans. In 2002, the building’s west academic wing was demolished during the construction of the new Wallace Jr./Sr. High School, which opened in 2003. The Civic Auditorium and east education wing remain, but years of neglected maintenance have led to water damage, mold, and other serious issues. 

A link to the survey can be found on the Silver Hills PTO Facebook page.