WARNER ROBINS -- A group that aims to save a school building from demolition is taking its protest public on Thursday.

Save Rumble is a coalition of community members who want the old Rumble Academy in Warner Robins to continue standing. The main part of the academy, which housed the first Warner Robins High School and now houses the Houston County school district’s alternative school, is slated to be demolished in summer 2014 as part of a school improvement project. It was built in 1945 and is one of the oldest buildings in the school district.

Many residents believe the academy is part of the community’s short history and should be preserved. A committee of about 15 people has generated support from several community members and plans to hold a Save Rumble rally at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Wellston Center.

“We want to see that small part of history preserved,” said Jim Elliott, a Warner Robins resident who is leading the movement.

By Wednesday, more than 470 people had joined the Save Rumble Facebook page, and some prominent people with Houston County ties are backing the cause. Some of those supporters include former Gov. Sonny Perdue and Bobbie Eakes, a soap opera star and Warner Robins native, Elliott said.

Elliott, who is also Warner Robins city attorney, is not sure how many people will attend the rally, but organizers chose the Wellston Center because it can hold more than 100 people. The amount of support is not surprising, Elliott said, because Houston County natives are passionate about preserving parts of their past.

“There’s been a lot of interest,” he said.

To contact writer Jenna Mink, call 256-9751.