WINONA, Minn. –The St. Mary’s Catholic congregation has launched a $2.5 million fund drive to cover the cost demolishing its abandoned parish school. The goal is to build church-side car parking spaces on the former school site and to modernize the church. Demolition of the school began in November — 1-1/2 years after graduating its last clas. The school was built in 1911 adjacent to the church at 303 West Broadway Street. The school expanded several times to accommodate growing enrollment. However, the program had declined to 69 PK-8 students when it was absorbed into the umbrella Cotter Catholic Schools system. The last St. Mary’s graduation was in May 2024.
Where once stood a school. The St. Mary’s church, now unhemmed, has new breathing room with demolition of the school. Parish leaders plan on a new welcoming entrance and landscaping among church upgrades.