Fayette County to demolish burned portion of historic former school building

Burned portions of a historic former elementary school in Fayette County are set to be demolished this week after a July 4 fire damaged the unused property and raised concerns of asbestos exposure.

The front portion of the former Somerville Elementary School will be demolished and removed this week, according to Fayette County Mayor Rhea “Skip” Taylor. Inspectors will review the back of the building this week to determine whether it is structurally sound. 

The building dates back to 1936, a period when asbestos was still commonly used in construction. If asbestos fibers are disturbed and released into the air or water, it can increase the risk of cancer in people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continuous high levels of exposure can also cause scar tissue to develop in the lungs.

The former school is located in a residential area in Somerville, a town of about 3,500 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census.

“All of the burned material is considered contaminated and will be removed to an approved landfill,” Taylor stated in a Sunday social media post. 

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation recommended keeping the debris wet to minimize the potential for asbestos fibers to enter into the air. The Fayette County Fire Department has been continuously monitoring the site since July 4 to ensure it remains damp. 

Taylor said it will take two to three weeks to demolish and remove the front portion of the building. Debris removal will be covered by county insurance, he said.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Somerville Fire Department are investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown as of Sunday. 

“Somerville Fire Department has stated that there is currently ‘no evidence of criminal activity,’” Taylor said.

The brick building on South Main Street was among schools in Fayette County that were forced to desegregate by the federal government in the 1960s.

The building is included on an inventory of historic Somerville buildings submitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

“Any decisions on the future of the site will be made by the County Commission after substantial public input,” Taylor said.