You’ve probably seen it if you live in East Germantown. It’s that massive, windowless, brown-brick fortress sitting on about seven acres of prime land near the Awbury Arboretum. Ada Lewis Middle School wasn't always a neighborhood eyesore. In fact, back in the 70s, it was kind of a big deal—a symbol of modern education designed with the "open classroom" philosophy that was all the rage back then.
Now? It’s basically a ghost ship.
Since the doors locked for good in 2008, the building at 6199 Ardleigh Street has become a lightning rod for everything wrong with how Philadelphia handles vacant properties. Most people think it’s just another victim of budget cuts. That's only half the story. The truth involves a mix of bizarre architecture, political infighting, and a recent tragedy that finally forced the city to pay attention.
Why did Ada Lewis Middle School actually close?
If you ask the School District of Philadelphia, they’ll give you the standard line: declining enrollment. And honestly, the numbers don’t lie. By the time 2007 rolled around, the school was designed for way more kids than were actually showing up. When the final eighth-grade class graduated in June 2008, there were reportedly only about 70 students left in the pipeline.
But it wasn't just about the kids. The building itself was a disaster.
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Built in 1973, Ada Lewis was a product of the "energy crisis" era of architecture. That’s why it has those tiny, slit-like windows—the idea was to save on heating and cooling. In reality, it made the place feel like a prison. By the mid-2000s, the roof was leaking, the foundation was cracking, and the utility bills were astronomical. Paul Vallas, the District CEO at the time, famously said it would cost $27 million just to fix the place up.
They decided it was cheaper to walk away.
The 20-Year Blight: What’s happening now?
For nearly two decades, the building has just... sat there. It’s been broken into so many times for copper piping that there’s probably nothing left but dust and old textbooks. Neighbors have been screaming about it for years.
Things took a dark turn in late 2025.
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The body of a 23-year-old woman, Kada Scott, was found in a shallow grave in the woods behind the school. It was the nightmare scenario every parent in Germantown had feared. Suddenly, the "vacant school problem" wasn't just about property values or aesthetics anymore. It was about life and death.
The Battle Over the Site
Right now, there’s a massive tug-of-war happening over what to do with the land.
- Demolition vs. Reuse: Councilmember Cindy Bass has been pushing hard for the district to just tear the whole thing down. She’s called it a "sign of trauma" for the community.
- The Charter School Option: West Oak Lane Charter School has expressed interest in buying the site to expand. They see potential where others see a wreck.
- The Housing Plan: A developer named Ken Weinstein actually had a deal in place a few years ago to build 76 twin homes on the site. The community mostly liked it. But then, in a classic Philly move, the school board quietly tabled the vote at the last second in 2021.
Why was it tabled? Depends on who you ask. Weinstein blames political interference; the city says they're just "evaluating their options." Classic.
Who was Ada H. Lewis anyway?
It’s easy to forget that the school is named after a real person. Dr. Ada H. Lewis was actually a powerhouse in Philadelphia history. She was the first woman to serve as an Associate Trustee at the University of Pennsylvania and spent 32 years on the Board of Education.
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Ironically, she was the primary author of the "Lewis Report," which was the blueprint for integrating Philly’s public schools. She fought her whole life to give kids better opportunities, which makes the current state of her namesake school feel like a punch in the gut.
What’s the next move for the neighborhood?
Honestly, the status quo is dead. The discovery of Kada Scott changed the math. In late 2025 and early 2026, the Philadelphia Board of Education began moving toward a resolution that would hand over several vacant properties—including Ada Lewis—to the city.
The goal? Turn them into affordable housing.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration is looking at these blighted lots as the "highest and best use" for new residential projects. It’s not a done deal yet, but for the first time in 18 years, there’s actual momentum.
Actionable Steps for Neighbors and Stakeholders
If you’re living near the site or just care about Germantown’s future, here is how you actually get involved in what happens next:
- Monitor the Board of Education Agendas: The District still owns the property. Any sale or transfer has to appear on their public meeting calendar. Don't wait for the news to report it; check the SDP website directly.
- Join your RCO: The Registered Community Organizations (like the 59th Ward or local neighborhood associations) are the ones who get to weigh in on zoning. If a developer wants to build 100 units instead of 50, the RCO is your line of defense.
- Demand a "Clean and Seal" Update: The District claimed they inspected the site just days before the tragedy in 2025 and found "no unauthorized activity." Clearly, that wasn't the case. Hold the District Operations division accountable for real security, not just "visual checks" from a car.
- Pressure for Demolition Timelines: If the city takes over, ask for a specific date for the wrecking ball. Leaving a shell of a building up while "planning" housing for five years is just asking for more trouble.
Ada Lewis Middle School is a lesson in what happens when a city forgets its own neighborhoods. It’s a 7.5-acre reminder that "vacant" doesn't mean "empty"—it means "vulnerable." Whether it becomes new homes or a new school, the community is finally done waiting.