When Jerry Lewis stumbled upon the old, crumbling high school on the outskirts of town, it was out of sheer desperation. After retiring, Jerry modest savings were quickly depleted by rising living costs, leaving him with limited options for housing. The idea of living in an abandoned building seemed absurd at first, but the school’s sprawling structure came with a price tag he could afford. With no other viable choices, he took the leap and bought the property, unsure of what lay ahead.
The first months were nothing short of grueling. The building was riddled with problems: leaking roofs, shattered windows, and hallways filled with debris from years of neglect. Heating the vast space during winter was nearly impossible, and friends and family doubted his ability to transform the derelict school into a livable home. Yet, amidst the doubt and overwhelming challenges, Jerry’s determination only grew stronger.
Want to see what Jerry had to deal with and how the school looks today? Check it out on the next page.