Demolition Begins For Historic Edwards School In Barnegat

BARNEGAT, NJ — When the Elizabeth V. Edwards School opened in 1930, it served as a high school and then an elementary school. Its beautiful architecture made it an iconic spot in Barnegat. But since the school closed in 2004 due to structural problems, the building has fallen into disrepair and is now being demolished.

The historic building is claimed to be haunted, and the crew from the Syfy TV show "Ghost Hunters" spent four chilly days in the school back in 2014.

As beloved as the school is for long-time Barnegat residents, it was too expensive to restore it, school officials have said. A 2021 facility assessment estimated the cost to gut and completely renovate the building to be $21 million.

The building is a safety hazard due to rotting and organic growth, mold, roof damages and more, according to the assessment. There were also issues with lead-based products, asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Demolition began on the rear of the building on Oct. 10, according to a report from The Sandpaper. The report also says that the district plans to preserve artifacts from the school.

What's planned for the site once the demolition is done? It could become a park with an amphitheater, according to various reports.

Barnegat students actually designed plans for this and presented them at a previous Board of Education meeting, The Southern Ocean Times reported in June. And some of the artifacts will be displayed at said park, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Township officials support the idea of the park, the Asbury Park Press report said, and have offered open space funds towards its construction.