The fate of a 119-year-old building in the heart of Ocala’s historic district is now in the hands of the community. The Marion County School District is considering selling the property that once housed its headquarters — and the first brick-and-mortar school ever built in the county — and residents are asking decision-makers to pump the brakes.

A public meeting is scheduled to give community members a chance to weigh in.

A Building Rooted in County History

The old Marion County School District building has sat empty for four years, locked and untouched since closing due to facility and environmental concerns. Neighbors say black mold is a significant issue inside. The building hasn’t been renovated since 1967.

But for many in the community, its condition doesn’t erase its significance.

The Historic Ocala Preservation Society describes it as the very first brick-and-mortar school in Marion County. It also served as the former home of Central Elementary School and sits squarely within the city’s historic district.

Former Mayor: ‘I Just Don’t Want to See It Torn Down’

Former Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn is among those calling for a thoughtful approach before any decision is made.

“There’s a lot of things you could do with it, but I just don’t want to see it torn down,” Guinn said.

He pointed to the demolitions of the 1960s as a cautionary tale.

“Back in 1967, you know, we tore a lot of buildings down and we don’t want to get the same positions as we were,” Guinn said.

His message to stakeholders is simple: slow down.

“Everyone needs to sit at the table and just pause and just go, okay, what are we going to do with the building?” Guinn said.

Not on the Market — Yet

The building is not currently listed for sale, and no buyers have been identified. But the preservation society warns the window to act may be narrow. The group says Ocala has already lost too many historic landmarks and cannot afford to lose another.

Residents say their goal is clear: keep the building standing.