TACOMA, Wash. — Demolition of several buildings on Tacoma’s abandoned Gault Middle School campus is underway.

The Tacoma Public School District closed the school in 2009.

Over the next few weeks, crews will demolish the science building, gym, pool building and portable classrooms.

Only the original brick building, which was built in 1926, will be spared.

The move is intended to make the seven-plus acre property more marketable to potential developers.

Tacoma Public Schools told KIRO 7 the building is so full of mold and asbestos particles that workers must wear respirators when entering the building.

At first glance, the exterior of the 96-year-old empty Gault Middle School building appears to be in serious disrepair, but those who have seen the inside report a hazardous, crumbling “hellscape,” where grass grows in the interior, ceilings have caved in, and the air is so saturated with mold and asbestos particles, it has been deemed too dangerous for a human to breathe, unless protected with a respirator and hazmat suit.

In November 2020, the building was suddenly the focus of headlines when a homeless advocacy group broke through chains and boards and moved a group of people inside who needed shelter from freezing temperatures.

Police donned full hazmat gear before entering the building and telling everyone to leave.

District officials say they hope to start seeking proposals from buyers interested in developing the property and repurposing the original building, starting next week. Proposals must include reuse of the 1926 Gault building.

If no viable proposals are received or accepted, school district official will demolish the Gault building and repurpose the site.

The district has tried for years to sell or transfer the property to a developer or government agency with the money to restore it.

The deteriorating building stands on a hilltop with stunning views of Mount Rainier.

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