A VIP tour of Watterson-Lake helped make the case for Issue 4, a construction bond issue that voters approved last November. Using state and local funds, CMSD will build 20 to 22 schools and remodel 20 to 23.

The first phase of the demolition consists of salvaging terra-cotta stone from the façade so it can be used in other building projects. After the section is down, workers will remove the debris and plant grass.

The rest of Watterson-Lake, located at 1422 W. 74th St., will remain in operation. CMSD recently installed a playground for preschool classes that will be added this year.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Waverly School will occupy surplus space at Watterson-Lake during construction of their new building. Waverly’s sixth through eighth grades will move to the Garrett Morgan School of Science, 4016 Woodbine Ave.

The rest of Watterson-Lake will eventually be demolished and students from Watterson-Lake and Waverly will be consolidated in a single building.