FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – The former Franklin School, which stood in Fort Wayne since 1921, is now a pile of rubble.

School officials confirmed to NBC33 that the historic building on St. Mary's Avenue south of West State Road has been demolished one month earlier than expected. School officials joined developers last night in a community meeting to go over plans to turn the property into a park.

The park will cost $1 million, but $600,000 has already been dedicated for the project. Officials hope the remaining $400,000 will be raised in grants and donations by the fall, when ground is expected to be broken on the park project.