Watch Lincoln Elementary's Demolition

ELMHURST, IL — The demolition of Elmhurst's Lincoln Elementary School began this week and should last through next summer.

The school at 565 Fairfield Ave. was built in 1916. It is the only Elmhurst public school completely surrounded by houses.

The project includes two webcams, which can be accessed on the school district's website. The project is being paid for as part of Elmhurst School District 205's $168 million in voter-approved bonds.

Demolition is expected to take place over the next week, the school said in a statement Tuesday. Then construction of the new school is set to begin. It is one of two replacement projects, with the other being Field Elementary School, which is slated to start next summer.

"Lincoln’s history means a great deal to many people," Beverly Redmond, District 205's spokeswoman, said in the statement. "When driving or stopping in the area, please be mindful of the surrounding neighbors by not blocking right of ways or driveway access, and be careful not to touch or lean on the construction fencing for safety reasons."

The new building will have about the same amount of space as the old one, officials said.

The demolition and new school were discussed during an Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission meeting in January.