Exploring a Huge Abandoned High School

Money Pit School
The property we will be exploring in this week's video is a now abandoned high school that consists of three buildings. It started out relatively small with the first building being constructed in 1919. The area was growing quickly and a second building was erected in 1929. The third and final building on the property was added in 1971, so it is considerably newer that the other two. The school closed its doors for good in 1982 after which it was turned into a community centre.
Given the state of disrepair and considering how original one of the older buildings was, I suspect that it may have not been used when the property was a community centre. This building in particular was absolutely incredible with the original hardwood doors, moldings and cabinetry. The newest of the structures was fairly modern looking and had fallen victim to heavy vandalism since the site's closure 9 years ago.
When the site had first closed the city had budgeted about $100,000 for the maintenance of the building during the first twelve months of vacancy. But in actuality, they had spent closer to $175,000 and the property had been referred to as a "Money Pit".
The future of the property and or buildings is still undecided, there have been a few ideas thrown around over the years such as turning it back into a school and the more likely scenario of turning it into housing. One of the original housing ideas was being considered by the province and would have included 40% affordable housing units. Since then not a lot has happened with the site until it was sold to a development company in 2021. They of course want to turn the property into housing and the community wanted to see the historical 104 year old building turned into a community centre. But so far nothing has happened since then and the buildings continue to deteriorate while the property and its buildings await their future.
Let me know what you thought of this abandoned school and community centre in the comments below!!
And please do not disclose the location in the comments.
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[@ctg6734]

Man, I got some serious Silent Hill vibes from that old school. So creepy, yet cool. Interesting to see that bathtub utilized as a large sink. I imagine they had more than a few dishes to wash!

[@StaticSpaces]

You are the second person to suggest they used the tub as a sink, you two are probably right...it just seems so wrong. 😆 Glad you enjoyed this one CTG and thanks very much for commenting!!

[@Happyland_Motel_Gamer_Cat]

Amazing old school building, and the awesome staircases.

[@StaticSpaces]

Definitely a very cool building. Thanks very much for your comment!!

[@Ramcharger85]

Beautiful old buildings. Sad to see em in thst condition. 😊❤

[@StaticSpaces]

Most definitely. Thanks very much for your comment!!

[@sondrayork6317]

That’s for sure, such cool buildings, yet they’re in so bad of shape and in a state of decay that it’s probably impossible to get it back to what it once was. Not without spending a ton of money to repair it anyway.

[@StaticSpaces]

I'm not sure about this particular area but heritage designation doesn't mean much here. When a building is incorporated into a redevelopment plan in this area, they are only required to save the facade, often only the front, everything else is demolished unfortunately

[@DirectCurrent4u]

Really cool seeing all that amazing wood work! Keep up the nice work! and stay safe out there.🙏🏻👍

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh definitely, so much of it too! Glad you enjoyed DC and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@kmfsinny8436]

Said to see these buildings in the state that they are in. At this point, all I can see is these being demolished. There are a few old schools in my area that was turned into apartments but they weren't this decayed. It was very unprofessional of WalStore to do what they did, but from what I've heard, they are cracking down on vehicles spending nights in their parking lots. I think it started during the pandemic when they stopped being open 24 hours a day. Great explore James! Loved the woodwork and built-ins

[@StaticSpaces]

They were never 24 hrs here in Canada but you are right about the pandemic, i never had an issue before that. I think the oldest one can still be saved, it often just ends up being a question as to of they want to do it or not. Here if something is repurposed, it's almost always gutted first anyway. Will see what happens with these in the future. Glad you enjoyed KMF and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@JF930H]

The "Wal-store" in my community recently ran off all the truck drivers that would stop there to sleep at night. Now the only rest area that sits outside our community is completely full during the evenings with many drivers having to park on the shoulders of the four lane!! Awesome video! Be safe in your travels.

[@StaticSpaces]

Wow eh, kinda of too bad what's happening these days.. the truckers have to sleep somewhere. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the comment!!

[@sassysue6472]

Wow! That was just wrong! It’s common knowledge that this particular store allows people to park overnight in their parking lot-as long as it’s at the far end. If they don’t want overnight parking then it needs to be posted-no overnight parking. Simple solution. I would have gone back in to customer service and said I just purchased some overpriced produce in here, got accused of trespassing by a guy with a tow truck so I guess I’d like my money back. You purchased something in their store! You aren’t trespassing 🤦🏻‍♀️. Love this video. Would like to see some of the papers left behind.

[@StaticSpaces]

It's funny you say that because as an afterthought, that's exactly what I should have done...gone back in, complain and return the item! Things have changed at these places ever since 2020, i get the feeling there have been some careless people staying there since then and have been causing problems but it's still not an excuse for that kind of treatment. Ya, i wish i had the time to dig through some of the stuff at this location but i just wanted to make sure I got through the whole place. Thank you very much for the comment Sue!!

[@kimbellabella348]

The beginning was awesome and I still love the song 🎵

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you still enjoy that song and also glad you enjoyed the intro in general! Thank you so much for the comment!!

[@kimbellabella348]

@@StaticSpaces you’re very welcome and I hope you are careful exploring by yourself…. I get nervous for you, especially dark abandoned buildings

[@StaticSpaces]

I always err on the side of caution. Appreciate the concern!

[@kimbellabella348]

@@StaticSpaces I watched til the very end cause you said something happened to you and I guess you forgot about what you were gonna say 🤷‍♀️

[@StaticSpaces]

The thing that happened to me was the wallstore story about sleeping in the parking lot. Sorry for the confusion!

[@joshtyson4398]

Great video James! I really liked the location, especially the first building! Fascinating to see the decay that's taken place in such a short time - you did a great job of showing it all!

[@StaticSpaces]

That first building really was amazing. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks a lot for the comment Josh!!

[@sexyshit84]

Thats one huge school. Fix that up and could easily make for some wicked condos. Love the intro and the story telling. Thank goodness you didnt fall through any floors here. Another great explore JH. Big Hugs. 😊😊 p.s. i call that store Walfart

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya i would prefer to see it as condos as opposed to being demolished. I am always very careful, especially when I think the floors may be compromised. That's another good name for the store. Lol Glad you enjoyed this one Kimmy and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@nancyweliczko9334]

The woodwork in this old school is gorgeous hope they salvage it.

[@StaticSpaces]

I don't doubt that they will, there is a second market for that stuff. Thank you very much for the comment!!

[@kskollections2142]

Loved the woodworking in the first building! Can’t beat the turquoise stove!

[@StaticSpaces]

That first building was amazing, can you imagine having gone to school in a place like that!? Glad you enjoyed it KS and thanks so much for the comment!!

[@robynelyse739]

Hey my friend, good review of the rest of the school , it was thrilling to see the decay from the elements that really tell us how climate and nature is in control, I think the school is a full immersion ,special needs program that handles all aspects of various physical and mental handicaps,In one of the rooms on the board did you notice the word autism spelled out , possibility the rooms with bath tubs,kitchen etc, could be there to prepare the student on how to thrive in society and live some what independent, very interesting wood molding in the reception area,but this was a good tour too , just caution yourself with those water levels,you never know what might be swimming in there . Ruh Roh.

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes you could be right about part of the school being used for kids with special needs but i think it would have also just been a general school as well. Good point about the water too, u don't like walking in it unless i am wearing rubber boots. Glad you enjoyed this one Robyn and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@ashleysouthernsass]

Holy moly the huge chalk board

[@StaticSpaces]

Thanks very much for the comment!!

[@elbrianromo1585]

COOL AND SCARY 😨💯😁🤘

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you enjoyed it Brian and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@debbie991]

Right on, I live maybe a 15 min walk from here. I have friends who went to school here :)

[@debbie991]

It's Buddahkatt from your other video :)

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh very cool that you have that personal connection to the school. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks a lot for your comment!!

[@matthewbloom3869]

so creepy in there! I would not be in there alone!

[@StaticSpaces]

I was a little creeped out since it was a relatively new city to me but it was worth it. Thanks very much for the comment!!

[@gilliankoivu9145]

Pretty cool. ☺

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh, glad you liked it and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@summe1972]

At around 37:55, right as your light brightens up the basement room with the "remove your bones" graffiti, there's what looks like a large rat that runs away off to the left. You actually approach the area it ran to immediately after. Haven't seen anyone else comment about it, and it actually took me a couple of watches to figure out what I was seeing, though I noticed something move the first time I watched it. Did you notice it? Any other viewers see it? Great video, as always. Just wanted to point out the creepy fact that you definitely were not alone in the basement.

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh wow, very good observation. I had to watch it several times frame by frame to actually see it but it is there! If you notice at that point I hear a noise, like a tile or something hitting another tile and I pause because of it, that is what I heard, the rat. It is in the centre of the screen there. That is creepy and it's the first time I have ever seen a live rat at a location, even if I didn't see it at the time! Glad you enjoyed the video Justin and thank you very much for the comment!!

[@robynelyse739]

Hey my friend,nice tour ,and of course the music selection is always awesome .

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you enjoyed it Elyse and thanks so much for commenting!!

[@jamesluke6603]

“ Wall Store “ is full of A-holes Thank you for sharing this video

[@StaticSpaces]

Lol Glad you enjoyed it and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@sondrayork6317]

If you’re referring to Walmart, then yes, you are right about the asshole thing. That is why I will never work there. And that is also why I don’t want to shop there either. I rather just use Amazon and woodmans for my shopping needs.

[@StaticSpaces]

I have always found the low level employees to be friendly, although not very useful when you have a question because they never have the answer. 😆 However the management at this store should be ashamed of the way they treat people after my experience there

[@jerroldmcley4347]

Man love all that stained wood

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, it really was a well crafted building! Thanks a lot for the comment Jerrold!!

[@Myislandlife2260]

This looks so incredibly familiar to me. I’m convinced that it’s located somewhere in my hometown and I just can’t seem to figure out where! It looks a lot like my late grandfather’s school but it’s just a shell of a building nowadays 🤷‍♀️

[@StaticSpaces]

It's definitely a possibility, although a lot of schools look alike too. Thanks very much for the comment!!

[@UncappedFilms]

Really cool location James. Enjoyed this one a lot. Great video as usual! Really enjoyed that intro too btw

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you enjoyed it Greg and thanks a lot for commenting!!

[@UncappedFilms]

@@StaticSpaces thanks for the great content. I need to comment more!!

[@ehcreativephotography]

I think the pigeons took over the school! 😂 The pigeons are trying to make a house of poop. Lol Another interesting adventure James! Beautiful wood work around the school. Wow what a weird situation you encountered at Walmart, thank you for telling us your experiences on these adventures. I agree not very professional of them. You handled it well though. 🙌🏻 Where was your favorite place to visit in the US? Stay safe as you travel on your road trip and have fun. See you on your next adventure!

[@StaticSpaces]

They really have taken over, those darn flying rats. 😆 I spent most of my time in the deserts, they are by far my favourite, particularly Death Valley, it's so surreal. Will have to go back there one day. Glad you enjoyed the video Elizabeth and thanks so much for the comment!!

[@georgiameier4990]

Way too many cool things to mention them all ! I did particularly like the chalkboard and built-ins. Oh, and the rat....

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, the wood in this building was amazing. Now, did you notice the rat on your own or did you read the recent comment from another viewer first? Because I had no idea it was even there until he mentioned it. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@customscreenprinting]

Static Spaces thanks for sharing with me this video about Exploring a Huge Abandoned High School this was a very interesting video they should do something to this Property in stead of just leaving it to wait for something to happen to it and thanks for sharing it and God BLess

[@StaticSpaces]

Glad you enjoyed it CSP and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

Hi James 👋 Thank you for another great video ❤️Great find too 😁I’m loving this video and thank you for the tour of the place 👍Stay safe and have your masks with just incase the place is moldy 😳

[@StaticSpaces]

Oh yes, i always carry a mask with me. Glad you enjoyed it Fawn and thanks so much for the comment!!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

You are welcome James 😁

[@catsanchez5749]

Really cool! So much awesome woodwork left behind. Always enjoy your vids. Be careful, stay safe…sorry if I sound like your mom😏😆❤️cat x

[@StaticSpaces]

Hahaha, nothing wrong with being concerned with people's safety. Glad you enjoyed it Cat and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@catsanchez5749]

@@StaticSpaces THANK YOU❤️

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

Hi James! Loved this! I love old schools, old…old everything really. Old public buildings. Especially Victorian and Edwardian era. All these places are being replaced by modern structures that all look the same and have no character. A High School in my town, well they call them secondary colleges now, was established in 1971 and is being replaced within the next few years. I went to the adjoining primary school which is the same age and the numbers are a lot smaller than when I was there, over 25 years ago! 😂 So I wouldn’t be surprised if it closed in the near future. I didn’t actually like school at the time, but you know what? I wish I was back 😂 Everybody said “school is the best days of your life” and they were absolutely right. It’s terrible that kids in some countries don’t get to learn and also socialise with kids their own age. Anyway I went off topic from the video a bit haha. I really loved this. It was a different type of location and a great one at that. I especially loved the first building. That bar would have been a reception desk with the school office in behind 🙂 Crazy story you told by the way! Thanks for the video 😀 Oh, and one of those baths, well, what looked like a bath, was probably for washing all the dishes and stuff possibly?

[@StaticSpaces]

It's a shame to see these buildings demolished because society believes they have no value. Although who knows, at least the oldest one might be saved. I had always hoped to be able to explore my former high school but they ended up doing some renovations, so it's still open...ah well. Lol School days were great, not having responsibilities and everything but there were also things i hated about it. I am quite enjoying life right now TBH. I think you are absolutely right about it being a reception desk, just never seen on like it before. Maybe the bathtub was used as a sink but still very strange. Glad you enjoyed the video Stephanie and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

@@StaticSpaces I’m not hating life but I just wish I had appreciated it more when I was younger. I mean I did but sometimes I just wish I could go back. I know a lot of people wouldn’t agree 😂

[@StaticSpaces]

I completely get it, don't worry

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

@@StaticSpaces it would have been cool to see your old high school but I suppose if it’s been saved from closure by renovations then that’s not a bad thing. I’m subscribed to a guy (The 2nd Empire Strikes Back if interested) who bought an abandoned Second Empire house in St. Louis, Missouri which he is restoring. A lot of the houses in his neighbourhood have sadly been demolished. Somebody actually marked the location on Google. Charles S Brown Residence

[@StaticSpaces]

I looked it up, i cannot believe how gutted that neighbourhood is, i don't understand that, we have nothing like it in Canada

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

James be careful in that school I think see some holes in the floors 👍❤️🙏😳

[@StaticSpaces]

Hahaha, ya, there were a few of them but i am always careful.

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

James 😂I’m looking out for your safety ❤️

[@marilynmaker5942]

Cool old school! I hope you were wearing a mask. Pigeon poop is quite toxic. And FYI, there's people who make jewelry out of that (maybe you should collect some) LOL..... On your WalStore story, were there any "no trespassing" signs? I have some friends with an RV that have been using W parking lots for years. They say it's not as easy as it use to be to stay there overnight. Great video James- keep on exploring! 🥰

[@StaticSpaces]

They make jewelry out of pigeon poop!? Your friends with the RV are absolutely right, it is very hit or miss these days as to which ones will allow overnight stays. I think a lot of things have changed drastically since the pandemic started and this is one of them. Glad you enjoyed the video Marilyn and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@KathyR1964]

I don't know how you were able to step on so much pigeon poop, lol. Even the noise of their poop and the birds cooing creeps me out! This was a great location...love all the wood and the doors were nice until the punks bashed the glass out. Was this W-store in the USA or Canada? My daughter works at a W-store in the Waterloo Region in Ontario and there is a person living out of their SUV for sometime now. There was also another couple a few years back that was living in their van. Both times the W-store has never had a problem with it. Maybe the area you were in had problems with sleeping car people.

[@StaticSpaces]

The dried poop bothers me, the cooing sound i don't mind too much though. This was in Canada. Most of those stores don't have an issue with it but there are a few every once in a while where it's a problem. I think more people have started using the option since the pandemic started unfortunately and that could be why. Glad you enjoyed the video Kathy and thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@billandhisboard]

I'm up at the diy skate park like every day. Nice little spot to chill at. Wish people would stop abusing the privilege of having the place though!

[@StaticSpaces]

There is a skate park on the property? I completely agree, shame to see what happens to these buildings. Thanks a lot for your comment!!

[@billandhisboard]

@@StaticSpaces haha yes. Right on the corner.

[@StaticSpaces]

Interesting, I didn't see that when I was there

[@gentillydanny]

Even though the citizenry wanted something done with these cool old buildings, years of careful neglect until they're too decayed to restore, then someone gets paid to pull them down and all the pickings are theirs, like all that beautiful wood and the stairways to put in new construction at many times the price. After that, in order to appease the annoyed public, whose tax dollars paid for it in the first place, officials will announce a new community center and it'll be built with cheap trash that won't hold together 30 years. At least that's the way it's done here. I've watched other explorers from Canada but you've got them beat with your videos. So many of them explore the same type of places or revisit the same ones, which I find boring. You go to new sites and you don't dwell over the junk left behind but instead show the buildings and their architectural features with just a comment or two about something of interest left behind. Good work.

[@StaticSpaces]

That is pretty much the way it works here, build them fast and cheap these days and leave the massive problems withe buildings for future generations. Glad you see something unique with the locations i visit, i am always trying to post something that others haven't seen or at least haven't seen for a while. It's tough though because I do often visit the some of the ones that others in the area do too, like the mansions, but end up holding onto them for a while. Glad you are enjoying the videos Dan and thanks a lot for commenting!!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

This was a school and now it’s a big birdhouse James 😆🤣😂😅😃

[@StaticSpaces]

Lol, you are absolutely right!

[@fawnfredenburg5361]

👍❤️😊

[@irenewatts2874]

Hi James I guess this place is OK but it’s really not my cup of tea. I prefer mansions and houses like that. This place was really gross with all the pigeon mess and all the decay. I liked your story. You are right if that store doesn’t want people to park there for whatever reason they should post signs all around and make sure they are visible. But James why not stay in a hotel? It’s much safer and you will have your own bathroom and a nice bed to sleep in and a place to shower. Even if you stay in a hotel twice a week I don’t think it would cost that much. Then you don’t have to worry about the idiots that put up cement barricades. All in all it was good. It’s nothing against you, you did a great job filming this joint. Please James stay safe on your road trip and beware of those dangerous Static Spaces.❤

[@StaticSpaces]

That's ok Irene, not everyone will like all the locations. It's weird though, most of the big locations i post don't do well, i am going to have to reassess and may have to start a second channel for the large places. Personally locations like this are some of my favourites but if the majority of the watchers want to see only houses, then i will have to deliver! I stay in the car because hotels get very expensive, two a week is a bit much for me at this point but maybe once every two weeks is attainable. But i agree, it is much much easier if i were to do that. Thanks a lot for watching even though you don't like these sorts of places and thanks a lot for the feedback too!!

[@irenewatts2874]

@@StaticSpaces I hope I didn’t make you feel bad James that wasn’t my intent. Why don’t you do what Freaktography did once. He asked us what we want to see a while back. So we told him. I liked that place you did that coffee shop you did recently. Remember I liked that but not the other 2 parts. It’s not healthy for you either breathing in all the pigeon mess and all the dust and who knows what else is floating thru the air. Most of the mansions weren’t as bad as the school. That school was pretty creepy🤮as well as messy. Yeah I get it about staying in a hotel. It could get costly. Can’t wait to see your next video. Stay safe and well.😃

[@StaticSpaces]

Yes, i probably will, expect to see some community posts in the near future. It's hard to know though because some of the bigger locations have done really well. You definitely didn't hurt my feelings in fact the feedback is great to have!!

[@sharptoothtrex4486]

This makes a great All-Girls Public High School where the girls wear their own clothes and no schoolgirl uniforms. This is what I always think this way.

[@StaticSpaces]

Thank you very much for the comment!!

[@Khono]

That can't be legal to block entrance/exit. It prevents access for emergency services. It closes off exit from a public space without warning. Plus it's stupid as anyone who sees that is less likely to shop there. I'd personally leave a scathing review for the two truck company and the business.

[@StaticSpaces]

Well the problem is, it's private property so they can really do whatever they want. But i just think they didn't approach the situation the best way they could have. Thanks a lot for the comment Khono!!

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

Gang land. Nothing lost for closing it.

[@StaticSpaces]

I'm not familiar with the surrounding area but i didn't really get a gangland vibe from it. Thank you very much for the comment!!

[@TsovoaLevone]

You telling a story about lettuce while wandering through an abandoned building is hilarious to me.

[@StaticSpaces]

Hahaha, glad you enjoyed it, although the story wasn't really about lettuce but I do see the humour in it. Thank you very much for your comment!!

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Did anyone in the parking lot in the overnite cars ask in wllstore 😉 ..if ok to park here .. My thoughts ... But they did not want to confront the overniters .. I know why .. I have been that position .. as in rental property lots .. I would park in main lot far out .. if I had to ..

[@StaticSpaces]

I don't know if anyone checked with the store first but probably not since we ended up in that situation. I think you are right about not wanting the confrontation though, there are probably some bad actors that do that sort of thing too. Thanks a lot for the comment Moe!!

[@cathymorrison4953]

They Closed 3 Stores in the U.S Feama Camps🤬🇨🇦

[@Khono]

38:00 "Remove ur bones" "No" :-p

[@StaticSpaces]

Lol

[@cathymorrison4953]

🧡🇨🇦🧡

[@chad4208]

i know where this place is. its in canada near a walstore. 😂

[@StaticSpaces]

Hahaha very good observation. Thanks a lot for the comment!!

[@cathymorrison4953]

That's Normal THERE STARVING US CANADIAN'S 🤬 🇨🇦

[@StaticSpaces]

What do you mean?

[@BuffaloChicken]

I'm not saying it's right but would you send your employees out to talk to people camping? It's 2023 people are not the same it's dangerous.

[@StaticSpaces]

I would or at the very least, i would put up a sign so people know what they are getting into. Also camping isnt quite the right term here, sleeping in the car would be more accurate. Most of the people including myself were there for one night and you wouldnt even know someone is in the car. And there weren't many people there either, maybe half a dozen plus other cars that didn't stay over night. So yes, i understand, maybe they have had problems in the past but i still think it could have been handled better. Thank you very much for the comment!!

[@BuffaloChicken]

@Static Spaces I agree with the signs saying yay or nay. As a business, you don't want your lot turning into something like in LA.

[@StaticSpaces]

Ya, this isn't a homelessness problem i don't think. it's usually just people passing through during road trips like i was but i can understand a concern like that