After creation of the district on April 28, 1849,[5] the original high school building was constructed in 1874 with approved local bonds of initially $60,000, and later increased by $20,000.

The last of these bonds were paid off in 1896, and unfortunately this building burnt down due to an unexplained fire on December 12, 1896.

The flames from the fire were bright enough to be seen from Piqua, St. Paris, Springfield, and West Liberty.

While the castle burned, the newly adjoined building was spared due to the implementation of fire-proof construction.

[9][10] The origin of this fire was also unknown, but the castle was immediately remodeled, and continued to function as class space for the Urbana Junior High School until April 2018.