Shields Elementary building demo continues in Lewes

The demolition of Shields Elementary School is nearing completion Oct. 7. NICK ROTH PHOTOS

October 7, 2022

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.

As of Oct. 7, most of Shields is gone.

Students and teachers likely know that blue wall well. This photo was taken Oct. 7.

Just a few walls are left of the back portion of Shields Elementary. This photo was taken Oct. 7.

Crews are making significant progress on the demolition of Shields Elementary Sept. 27.

While work continues on the front of the building, a second backhoe is demolishing the back of the building Sept. 27.

Demo has made it to the gymnasium Sept. 27.

An overall look at the Shields property Sept. 27. Cape Henlopen High School can be seen off in the distance.

The eastern side of Shields Elementary has been demolished as of Sept. 23.

Hallways leading to nowhere Sept. 23.

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.