Yokohama school to demolish 87-year old building

Kanto Gakuin School 1

The Kanto Gakuin Junior High School has decided to tear down their 87-year old former main building due to age and deterioration.

Built in 1929, the Norman-style building was designed by American architect J.H. Morgan (1868-1937). It was built from reinforced concrete and is 3 storeys with 1 basement. The interior has classrooms and a chapel. It was in use until 2009.

The school principal said that the school and wanted to preserve the historic building but a structural inspection found that the concrete and steel reinforcing was showing significant deterioration. In accordance with guidance from Yokohama City, the school has no choice but to move ahead with demolition.

The building did not appear to show any significant damage from the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. Read more