Thanks to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, the old Moran School Administration Building, which is literally teetering above Manitou Park Boulevard, has been given one last reprieve from the wrecking ball.

The commission has been in a delaying mode since Sound-care Inc., owners of the adjacent Messenger House, went to the city several months ago for a demolition permit to rid itself of a nearly century-old building that through decades of neglect has to be either renovated or razed very soon.

Soundcare had decided on the latter because the structure had become hazardous, but its historic value and the commission’s persistence has led to one last pardon. Soundcare CEO Edwin Wheeler agreed last month to an Oct. 1 deadline for selling the four-story structure to a buyer who is willing to sink a million or two into a rehab project to bring it back to life.

The assessed value of the .63 acres of land and the building is about $192,000, while the cost of tearing it down is an estimated $100,000, though there may be some architectural and interior elements worth some money. But the commission and Soundcare’s broker are actively trying to find a buyer during the next two and half months.

There’s no doubt that the building, which boasts an auditorium that is still unique despite it standing vacant since 1951, is worth saving. The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has placed it on the list of 10 most endangered historic properties in the state and believes it would qualify for the National Register of Historic Places.

“It’s a great building,” said David Williams, chair of the city historical commission, “though it’s pretty much demolition by neglect at this point. But it’s certainly significant enough to take one last stab at saving it.”

Williams said the building appeared to be a goner until Wheeler stepped forward at the last minute.

“Soundcare has been very reasonable,” Williams said. “They’re trying to be a good community citizen.”

The shame is that the community, as a whole, hasn’t made the effort required to save many of its historical buildings. There is a renewal of late, perhaps, but more people – and the city – need to become involved before it’s too late to save the likes of the Moran School.