Heavy demolition at Richard Shields Elementary School in Lewes began Sept. 19, as crews started razing the eastern corner of the school with a backhoe.
Dean Johnson of Richard Y. Johnson and Son Inc. said additional equipment would be delivered, with demolition continuing throughout the week. Cape Henlopen School District plans to reuse the land to build a third middle school.
The new 95,000-square-foot, $38 million Lewes Elementary opened to the former school’s students April 27.
![While work continues on the front of the building, a second backhoe is demolishing the back of the building Sept. 27.](/sites/capegazette/files/2022/09/field/image/ShieldsDemo11.jpg)
While work continues on the front of the building, a second backhoe is demolishing the back of the building Sept. 27.
![An overall look at the Shields property Sept. 27. Cape Henlopen High School can be seen off in the distance.](/sites/capegazette/files/2022/09/field/image/ShieldsDemo8.jpg)
An overall look at the Shields property Sept. 27. Cape Henlopen High School can be seen off in the distance.
![While work continues on the east side, crews have also started on the western side of the building Sept. 23.](/sites/capegazette/files/2022/09/field/image/ShieldsDemo7.jpg)
While work continues on the east side, crews have also started on the western side of the building Sept. 23.
![With classes in full swing across the street at Lewes Elementary School Sept. 21, demolition work makes headway on the front portion of the Shields Elementary School building.](/sites/capegazette/files/2022/09/field/image/ShieldsDemo3_0.jpg)
With classes in full swing across the street at Lewes Elementary School Sept. 21, demolition work makes headway on the front portion of the Shields Elementary School building.