Discuss Detroit » Hall of Fame Threads » School Architecture of Detroit (and surrounding area) « Previous Next »
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Patrick
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Username: Patrick

Post Number: 3158
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.72.148.58
Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 10:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A while back we did a thread about the finest schools (architecturally speaking) in the area. I believe it has been lost though. Anyone have pics of Detroit’s beautiful schools to share? Suggestions? I always thought Fordson and GPS were the two prettiest schools in the area. It is sad to see the garbage that is being built out in the wealthier burbs. None of these new super-schools (Stoney Creek/Dakota) can compare as far as architectural class is concerned. At least not with the grand schools built up until about 1940.

Like I said before, people tend to forget about the architecture of Detroit’s schools. No one really recognizes just how beautiful these structures are and the potential they have.
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Ndavies
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Username: Ndavies

Post Number: 1486
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Posted From: 70.230.228.201
Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 10:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think I'll disagree with the older is better school of thought right off the bat. I'll start you off with the new Cass tech. I took this picture this afternoon. I was really after the light on the houses in front. The school was a tag along.

Midwinter Midday Sun.
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Ltorivia485
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Post Number: 2268
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Posted From: 69.212.51.29
Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 11:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The New Cass Tech is UGLY.

Maybe DPS will realize that glass and winter and cheap materials do not mix in Michigan!!!!
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Ghetto_butterfly
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Post Number: 571
Registered: 09-2004
Posted From: 68.60.139.186
Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 11:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Check out the Antietam Lofts, it used to be a school.
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 635
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Posted From: 216.203.223.81
Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 11:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Capitol High School, Detroit's first, located on Griswold and State, now site of Capitol Park. Destroyed by fire.

Capitol High School
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Jams
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Username: Jams

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Posted From: 70.229.47.104
Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 11:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hornwrecker,
Any idea if any of those buildings was Seymour Finney's hotel of Underground Railroad fame?

http://www.michmarkers.com/Fra meset.htm
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 636
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Posted From: 216.203.223.81
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:04 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jams, they are only identified as the "Hodges Building, now site of David Stott Bldg. & on left hand side the Spring Bed Factory, now site of American State Bank". So I guess that the building on the right is blocking the veiw of it, being on the southeast corner. Finney's was on the northeast corner according to your link. I may show up on another photo, I'll keep my eyes open for it.

I did find that the fire was Jan. 27, 1893.
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Ray1936
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Username: Ray1936

Post Number: 171
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 207.200.116.134
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:05 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

At the other extreme, I always thought WSU's Old Main was probably the ugliest building ever built. I'd call it the Phyllis Diller of schools.
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Barnesfoto
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Username: Barnesfoto

Post Number: 1611
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Posted From: 66.2.148.196
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:15 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ray, have you been drinking? Perhaps you are talking about the hack job that WSU did on the inside a few years back? Or are you serious?
I guess that you haven't seen the "new" Northwestern HS, or even better, the absolute poster child for hideous school architecture;
Amelia Earhart Middle School, Scotten at I-75 service drive. Earhart is stunningly ugly, even by 1960's standards, and oh, it blends in so well in a neighborhood of early 20th century buildings.
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Boshna
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Username: Boshna

Post Number: 106
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Posted From: 68.60.137.62
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My favorite
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Boshna
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Username: Boshna

Post Number: 107
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 68.60.137.62
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:30 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My favorite
more. . .


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Ray1936
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Username: Ray1936

Post Number: 172
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Posted From: 207.200.116.134
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 1:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Barnesfoto, maybe it's because of unhappy memories in Old Main that I blurped that off the top of my head.......Flunked two lit classes in that building. It put a curse on me so I shall curse it back. :-) :-) :-)

P.S. I still hate Shakespeare. :-(
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Neilr
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Username: Neilr

Post Number: 160
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.242.215.65
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 2:48 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Detroit Public Schools has a long and proud history of building architecturally outstanding buildings. Significantly, the economic status of the neighborhood has not been the deciding factor in determining the quality of that area's schools.

Some of my favorite examples:

The educational park complex at Linwood and Tuxedo includes Central HS, Durfee MS, and until about 20 years ago, Roosevelt Elementary School. They formed a unified grouping in the Tudor style.

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, formerly named Custer, on Linwood and the Lodge is, to my eye, an outstanding example of a solidly handsome, large school, You can see it from the Lodge. Notice its white terra cotta cornice. An added feature of this school is that our very own Leoqueen went there for grade school!

Wirt Rowland (Guardian Bldg., etc.) designed a number of our schools including Thirkell and Stephens Elementaries.

Gardner Elementary has strong, horizontal lines that give it a Prairie School feeling.

Wingert, a proud old school with a great history on West Grand Blvd., is a knock-out, if you can see past the blue windows.

Mayberry Elementary School, on the west side of Clark Park is a fine, old white brick building with newer ivory colored windows overlooking the park. And Western HS impressively holds the eastern edge of the park.

Southeastern HS has a number of museum-quality Pewabic tile drinking fountains that were donated by various graduating classes in years past.

I agree with Ndavies, the new Cass Tech is stunning. and I believe it has taken DPS back into national-class school architecture.

I would urge you to see Catherine Ferguson School, formerly Chaney, on Lawton just north of ML KIng Street. The exterior tile work and the windows still take my breath away every time I drive by. And make sure you see what's in the backyard!
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623kraw
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Username: 623kraw

Post Number: 736
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Posted From: 68.41.224.200
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 3:46 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cooper Elementary School on Georgia, just south of the Urban Prarie...
Built in 1919
detial on an archway
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Wolverine
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Username: Wolverine

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Posted From: 24.231.201.120
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 4:39 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I always thought Cooley High had some interesting architecture

http://www.umich.edu/~ifmuth/c ooley.jpg

Except for on the back of the building there's an ugly modern addition
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 2921
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Posted From: 67.172.95.197
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 4:59 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My mom went to all of the schools at the Linwood and Tuxedo. Detroit does have some beautiful schools.

I must say that though I'm not much a fan of a lot of recent modern architecture (80's foward), find Cass Tech and the School for the Arts to both be horrible. It's not just that it's modern, they really look cheap despite being anything but, and Cass Tech in particular.
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Sumotect
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Username: Sumotect

Post Number: 146
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 64.243.32.9
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 10:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cass tech is by no means a cheap building, that uses cheap materials. It is one of the most expensive high schools ever built. A true Flagship.
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Hardhat
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Post Number: 73
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Posted From: 69.208.36.124
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 10:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here's a link to an article about the Southeastern H.S. renovation.
http://www.detroitbuildingtrad es.org/newspapr/sept302005.htm l
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 637
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Posted From: 63.41.8.33
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 11:37 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

McMillan School, 615 S West End


McMillan School

Anyone want to analyze the architecture? I'll take requests to find a school, otherwise I'll just post what peaks my interest for using different things in Photoshop, like lighting and perspective changes, both done on this photo from WSU.
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Arab_guyumich
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Username: Arab_guyumich

Post Number: 718
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.14.179.212
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 11:40 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dearborn-Fordson is a gem...I'll try to take some pics later today.
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Wirt
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Username: Wirt

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Posted From: 64.243.32.9
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 11:52 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cass Tech is great!
Fordson was the most expensive school in the country when it was built.
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Wirt
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Username: Wirt

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Posted From: 64.243.32.9
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 11:54 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Fordson1

Here is a picture of Fordson.
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Wirt
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Username: Wirt

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Posted From: 64.243.32.9
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here is a picture of Cass TechCass1
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 638
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Posted From: 63.41.8.33
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A pic of U of D HS when it was built in 1930.

U of D High School 1930
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Detroitduo
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Posted From: 68.255.243.195
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Personally, while I love the architecture of the older buildings, I also love the new Cass Tech and Performance Arts buildings.

I was torn about the building of the new Cass Tech, because the old one is beautiful. But, now I am quite satisfied, because I get to see BOTH out my front window.
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Urban_shocker
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Username: Urban_shocker

Post Number: 239
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Posted From: 68.248.7.192
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Shout out to Mumford HS. Building colors match the school colors and they're slick.
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 639
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Posted From: 63.41.8.33
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 12:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here is Cooley HS in its original condition.

Cooley HS

Italianate, Venetian? What style is it?
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Patrick
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Username: Patrick

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Posted From: 68.79.89.52
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 5:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

anyone have pics of Detroit Central?
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Barnesfoto
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Username: Barnesfoto

Post Number: 1614
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Posted From: 216.203.223.84
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 5:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

thanks, hornwrecker, for those photos.
Sadly, McMillan school is abandoned and was open to trespass last time I drove by.
I think that going to school in some fine old DPS Buildings (Burt, Cerveny and Redford HS) gave me an appreciation for fine old architecture. Most of the older DPS buildings have Pewabic Tile, and some even have WPA Murals.
Unlike Ray, I flunked no classes, so I bear no ill-will towards old main. (But, again, the renovation done a few years ago was really a hack job)
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 640
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Posted From: 66.2.149.137
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 5:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Somebody mentioned how awful Amelia Earhart JHS is:

Amelia Earhart Junior High

WTF were they thinking and where's my flying car?
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 1701
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Posted From: 4.229.129.109
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 6:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hornwrecker, that Cooley HS architectural style looks like "Spanish Mission" style architecture to me!

And that gaw'd awful Earhart JHS looks like 1960's Brutalist style to me. Looks like a design any 10 year old kid could slap together with Lego!

My all time favorite schools are definitely Fordson HS in Dearborn, and Grosse Pointe South HS in Grosse Pte. Farms. Fordson has the upper hand in details (Elizabethan/Jacobean architecture) and richness.

But because much of Fordson's front lawn was lost to the widening of Ford Rd. many years ago, Grosse Pte. South has the edge in monumentality. It is wonderfully (and symmetrically) positioned at the corner of Fisher Rd. and Grosse Pte. Blvd. with an expanse of trees, lawns and walkways that give it a magnificent setting.

(Message edited by gistok on January 02, 2006)
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Jenniferl
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Username: Jenniferl

Post Number: 222
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Posted From: 4.229.42.10
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 8:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I like that picture of Capitol High School. That's a really pretty building.

I haven't seen the new Cass Tech in person, but based on the photos I don't like the looks of it. It might look OK in a place like Novi or Troy, but it doesn't suit the architecture of an older neighborhood like the Cass Corridor.
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Gary
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Username: Gary

Post Number: 102
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Posted From: 71.144.94.101
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 9:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The new Renaissance High campus on W. Outer Drive, adjacent to the old Catholic Central/Renenaissance High I site, really looks sharp from the outside.
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Evelethcdenver
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Username: Evelethcdenver

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Posted From: 209.180.254.19
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 9:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

U of D High School is beautiful inside and outside. Love the detail on the outside of the building.
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

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Posted From: 66.2.148.208
Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 10:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is what remained of Capitol High School after the fire on Jan 27, 1893. From the accounts that I've read about it, it was tinderbox, and went up in minutes. Accounts are in the John C. Lodge and Detroit News history column books.

Capitol High School burnt out hulk
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Hornwrecker
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Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 10:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Gistok, I don't have a clue about the style, psuedo-Vatican maybe, I suppose I'll have to dig out my dictionary of architecture. Since you mentioned GPS, here are a couple of photos as it was being finished. Strange to see it without any trees or other buildings around it.


Grosse Pointe South HS

Grosse Pointe South HS

This is the Maybury School, 4410 Porter St; I played many a concert introducing the kiddies to classical music here, in the past.

Maybury School
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Dialh4hipster
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Posted From: 208.54.15.129
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 2:01 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

U of D High is just a gorgeous school. I am less crazy about the new addition, but it is so gratifying to me that such an amazing high school facility is still located in the city of Detroit.

Also, I loooove the new Cass Tech, almost as much as I love the old one.
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Barnesfoto
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Username: Barnesfoto

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Posted From: 66.2.148.65
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 8:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Even more beautiful than Maybury was the "old" Western HS, destroyed by fire in the 1930's.
The "old" Northwestern, which I remember from childhood trips to Hudson's on the Grand River Bus was nice too.
I also like the new Cass Tech. There seems to be a brave movement in public architecture away from the ugly, functionalist boxes of the last 50 years.
Folks mention Fordson; I was in it last year just after they had finished an addition. The new part of the school blends in with the old seamlessly. Kudos to those responsible.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1108
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Posted From: 69.218.79.131
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 9:02 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

GPS: fantastic design and materials indeed, Gistok. I enjoyed every day I went there, and appreciate it even more now. It had two additions, or more like side-buildings for science and industrial arts, in the 50s and 60s, which were not much to write home about, but it's most recent renovations have been much nicer, with Tennessee marble and Pewabic tile to match the main building.

The grade schools in parts of the Grosse Pointes also have some amazing details, such as Richard, Trombley, Defer, Maire and Pierce.

The new Cass Tech does the job, and creates a stunning variety around Cass Park, similar to the variety now created around Campus Martius.
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Detroit_stylin
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Username: Detroit_stylin

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Posted From: 66.202.227.12
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 11:53 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah I'd have to admit that my alma matter (sp?)Central HS is one of the more beautiful high schools in the city...
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 644
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Posted From: 66.19.21.70
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 12:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Old Cass Tech at the time of construction

Old Cass Tech
(there was some lens shading, so I pasted in some new sky, that's why the telephone pole top is missing)

The bridge over to Commerce High

Cass Tech bridge to Commerce High

WSU/VMC
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Wirt
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Username: Wirt

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Posted From: 64.243.32.9
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 12:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great photos!
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Motorcitymayor2026
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Username: Motorcitymayor2026

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Posted From: 71.10.63.140
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 1:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

that bridge is beautiful
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Wirt
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Posted From: 64.243.32.9
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 1:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In the Cass/ Commerce bridge photo, you can see the original location of the memorial inscription that commemorated the 67 students who died in World War 1. It still exists on the old Cass in the location where the bridge used to be.
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Hornwrecker
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Posted From: 66.2.149.192
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 9:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just for Ray, here is how Old Central High School (Old Main) looked like, when he attended it.

Old Central High School

Old Central High School rear

Old Central High School, Warren and Cass
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Expat
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Username: Expat

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Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 24.60.133.101
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 9:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hornwrecker, where did you get these fantastic historical images? Source?
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Psip
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Posted From: 69.246.13.131
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 10:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A few more pix of the Old Cass Tech.
Cass

Commerce High School
Commerce

and Vernor under wideing at Grand River.
Vernor
WSU
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Hornwrecker
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Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 10:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Expat, sorry I forgot to label the last set, which were from the Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Company collection.

LOC/DPC

The others are from Wayne State's Virtual Motor City

WSU/VMC

I thought everyone knew by now where most of these are coming from by now (plus a bunch of other sites that I haven't even searched yet).
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Gistok
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Posted From: 207.69.137.26
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 10:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hornwrecker, the architectural style for old Cooley HS is SPANISH COLONIAL. That is also the style of most old churches in Mexico.
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

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Posted From: 66.2.149.192
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 11:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the info, though my next guess would have been Moorish Mayhem, but I'll buy Spanish Colonial.

Any info on the architectural firm of Malcomson & Higginbotham? I've run into their name for a couple of upcoming schools, both built in the first decade of the last century.

(That's as far as I'm going to research anything besides finding photos for this thread, if details are wanted, somebody is going to have to crack a book or two.)
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Psip
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Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 11:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here is a great history of Cass Tech.
http://home.att.net/~rodney.j. martin/CassTech_1917.htm

and the official Cass Tech Alumni Assoc.
http://www.casstechalumni.org/
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 648
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Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 11:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Preston School, 1251 17th St, betwixt Fort and Porter.

Preston School

Preston School
LOC/Built in America Collection
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Wirt
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Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 9:49 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Malcomson & Higginbotham Architects -
They did a lot of the DPS work during that period (Cass Tech, old Central/Main, etc.).
They also did Henry Ford's first big house on Edison I believe.
Their office was in the Moffat Building
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Barnesfoto
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Username: Barnesfoto

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Posted From: 66.2.148.173
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 12:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

They also did a number of houses on Grand Blvd. near W.Vernor
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 652
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Posted From: 66.2.148.246
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 12:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Northwestern HS, built 1911, M & H architects.

Northwestern HS 1911
LOC

Northern HS, Woodward and Clairmount

Northern HS
WSU
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1111
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 1:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Northern HS reminds me of the Graduate Library at UM (by Kahn).

Gistok, a cool example of Spanish Colonial style is the closed-down St. Margaret Mary church and school just north of Warren and west of St. Jean.
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2231
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 7:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If it wasn't mentioned previously, the Capitol High School was, of course, the State Capitol before it moved to Lansing.

I think Detroit has some fantastic school buildings. Some of the schoolss I have pictures of:

Burbank with its Griffons and Indian head dress?

Burbank





Christopher Columbus with the Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria, and ?

Columbus





Alexander Hamilton:

Hamilton



Southeastern HS with the Michigan State Seal on one side and the City's on the other:

SEHS

SE1

SE2
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 1710
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 207.69.138.134
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 7:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow, Alexander Hamilton school looks like a scaled down version of Grosse Pte. South HS. I bet the same architect did both.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1117
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 7:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No kidding, that's a nice looking place.
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 656
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 66.2.148.220
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 10:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Western High School. Fire happened sometime in the 1930s judging by the fire equipment, can't find out any more info on it on the net.

Western HS fire

Western HS fire 2

Western HS fire 3
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1070
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.122.57
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 11:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Northern High School was designed by Wirt Rowland, who worked with most of Detroit's major architects and architectural firms, including Kahn.

In addition to the already mentioned Thirkell and Stephens elementary schools, Rowland's other school designs include: Burton International School, Noble Elementary, Northwestern HS, Southeastern HS, and Maire Elementary (Grosse Pointe).

[There could be a couple more, but my files and notebooks were packed away for the holidays. I'll doublecheck this list when the file is unearthed.]

For more info on Rowland:
http://www.wirtrowland.org/int ro.htm
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1073
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.122.57
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 11:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mackenzie High School, named for David Mackenzie. Located at 9275 Wyoming between W. Chicago Blvd. and Oakman Blvd.

This building is beautiful!!!
image1

image2

Look at the colors!!!
image3

image4

image5

image6

image7

From the Michigan Historic Marker in front of the Mackenzie House on Cass Ave. (now home to Preservation Wayne): Educator, scholar, and humanitarian, Mackenzie fostered higher education of Detroit students. While principal of Central High School, then housed in what is now "Old Main," he established the Detroit Junior College in 1917. Six years later that institution expanded to become the College of the City of Detroit with Mackenzie as its first dean. This was the nucleus from which Wayne State University grew.
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Broken_main
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Username: Broken_main

Post Number: 565
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.222.11.226
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 12:24 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My neighborbor High school...Beautiful inside as welll. My mother is a retired teacher Mackenzie High 2001
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Alexei289
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Username: Alexei289

Post Number: 960
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.183.223
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 2:19 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I really love South Eastern. I think that the brickwork on that building is exceptional and that just the masonry and stone work alone do it justice, without adding fancy artwork.
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Nativegirl
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Username: Nativegirl

Post Number: 51
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 136.1.1.33
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 9:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does anyone have a picture of the old Eastern High (before it was torn down and MLKing High was erected to take it place)? This was my dad's alma mater. Also, Northeastern, which was off of Grandy and Chene? Last but not least, what was on the land that Kettering High (which I believe was the last Detroit High School built) is now on?
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Jsmyers
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Username: Jsmyers

Post Number: 1335
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 209.131.7.68
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 12:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What is the large building right next to the Lodge, just south of the BE curve?

One block south of Clairmont at Byron.

It looks like a school.

Is it still used?
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 658
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 66.19.21.41
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 12:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Majeske School, 2139 Trombley, built 1913, demolished 1981 for Poletown plant.

Majeske School


Majeske School
LOC/BiA

(Looks like that there's a few Volares in the parking lot.)
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Neilr
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Username: Neilr

Post Number: 164
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.242.215.65
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 12:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jsmyers,

The building on the SW corner of Clairmont and the Lodge is the old Crosman School. Lily Tomlin went there for grade school. It now has an alternative high school program.

South of Crosman, is the Herman-Kiefer complex of buildings that house Detroit's Dept. of Health. The main building is about 10 stories high, facing the Lodge. Then there are a number of 2 story bulidings that seem to now be unused on the campus.
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Jsmyers
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Username: Jsmyers

Post Number: 1336
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 209.131.7.68
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 1:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks Neilr,

I think I'm thinking of the Herman-Kiefer complex.

It is a full block south of Clairmont, and it is both tall and large.

What was it built for?
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1077
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 140.244.107.151
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 4:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Herman Kiefer Hospital was the city of Detroit's hospital for contagious diseases." Well known for their treatment of tuberculosis and polio. It has also been used for Rehabilitation Medicine.

The Detroit Health Department's Office of Vital Records is located there; birth and death records from 1910 to the present are stored there and made available.

FYI..I believe both Albert Kahn and Louis Kamper had a hand in one or more of the buildings over the years as the complex grew.
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2236
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 6:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

One of my favorites is the Andrew Jackson Intermediate School on Marlborough built in 1928, now renamed the Ronald McNair Middle School. Nothing fancy in the details, but I like it's style, color, and proportions. It's hard to photograph since it's on a residential street and you can't back away far enough to fit it in the lens. I had to take this first shot from an alley across the street:

Jackson




I love whatever you call these features - they look similar to a lighthouse and I'm sure I've seen them lit at night. If not, they should be:



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Mikem
Member
Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2237
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 6:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A few blocks away is the now closed Geo. Hosmer Elementary School, featuring gargoyles and owls:




Hosmer
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 663
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 66.2.149.84
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 10:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mikem, I think that feature fits the definition of a cupola, a type of smaller vaulted dome, or lighter weight structure with windows atop the main one. (I finally dug out my three volume dictionary of architecture.)

Anybody have the details on the Denby bldg.? I always was a sucker for a nautical theme.
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2251
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 10:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Somewhere in the archives there are photos of the dedication of Denby and possibly Kettering.
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Hornwrecker
Member
Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 684
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 66.19.18.201
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 11:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here's another casualty of the Poletown massacre, the Hervey Park School 3010 East Milwaukee. Built in 1901, Malcomson & Higginbotham architects.

Hervey Park School

Hervey Park School
LOC
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 690
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 66.2.148.82
Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 12:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A couple of old photos of Eastern HS of rather poor quality.

Eastern HS

Eastern HS
LOC
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Hornwrecker
Member
Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 710
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 63.41.8.118
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 12:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Since no one is interested in keeping this thread alive, I'll get rid of a couple of orphan photos.

The main staircase of Western HS.

Western HS main stairs

The "new" additions to Southeastern HS.

Additions Southeastern HS
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Eric_c
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Username: Eric_c

Post Number: 593
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.21.62.206
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 1:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I thought Eastern would have been larger than that. Was it ever expanded beyond it's original footprint?

I have an interest because the school sat on the lot bordered by E. Grand Boulevard, Mack, Field, and Goethe, about a block from my house. Today, a church sits at the corner of the Boulevard and Mack, while the rest of the lot is just a mowed field.
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Nativegirl
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Username: Nativegirl

Post Number: 53
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 136.2.1.101
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 2:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Good question Eric C. My dad grew up on Superior and could have sworn that he and my uncles said Eastern was a huge campus. Eastern in the above pic look sort of like the old Northeastern campus that was torn down. NE was near Chene and Grandy if I am not mistaken.
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Hornwrecker
Member
Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 712
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 66.19.20.169
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 4:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is an aerial view of Eastern HS from 1949. As you can see it was added to significantly from that early photo, from around the time it was built.

Eastern HS aeiral 1949
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Hornwrecker
Member
Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 783
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 66.2.148.30
Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2006 - 9:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Southwestern HS

Southwestern HS
New York Public Library

(I'll post anything that I find in my OCF searches along the way)
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Detroitplanner
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Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 117
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 64.12.116.204
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 9:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

HORN,

McMillan School can be best classified as Richardsonian, the arched entrances and overhangs were a precursor to FLlW's pararie school.
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Olivia_oxendine
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Username: Olivia_oxendine

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 9:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In my quest to find classmates who attended school with me nearly 50 years ago at Parke Davis Elementary, I came upon this site. The information about the architecture of schools in Detroit is captivating. What or who inspired this trend that dates back so many years?
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Detroitteacher
Member
Username: Detroitteacher

Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 205.188.116.137
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I teach at Cooley High and we have recently renovated the auditorium (the most gorgeous in the city!! patterned after the Fox). To arrange for tours, please contact the school and they will be happy to help you out! Most of the original inside is intact (including the fallout shelter signs in the halls).
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Motorcitymayor2026
Member
Username: Motorcitymayor2026

Post Number: 1144
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 24.231.189.137
Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 12:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow, the Alexander Hamilton is a GREAT looking building... I like it a lot!
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Prokopowicz
Member
Username: Prokopowicz

Post Number: 7
Registered: 02-2005
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007 - 9:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does anyone have a picture of the old Highland Park HS?
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Canyongal
Member
Username: Canyongal

Post Number: 1
Registered: 05-2007
Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 12:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am looking for a picture of the Tilden School which was located on Third and Kirby I think. It was torn down when the Lodge was built. I attended that school when I was young and just wanted to see what it looked like because I can't remember.
Thanks in advance.
Barb
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Jgavrile
Member
Username: Jgavrile

Post Number: 1
Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 - 2:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here is a picture of the old Highland Park High school at Glendale and 2nd. Built in 1918
Highland Park High School 1918
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Patrick
Member
Username: Patrick

Post Number: 4824
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 6:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Where did Eastern HS have their athletic fields? looks like they had a limited lot.
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Somerset_girl
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Username: Somerset_girl

Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2007
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 11:00 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Everyone, does anyone have pictures of Anthony Wayne elementary on Courville (east side)?

Have to say this group is truly a font of Detroit knowledge!
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Reddog289
Member
Username: Reddog289

Post Number: 165
Registered: 08-2007
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 1:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

shoulda been on this thread when i lived with my folks, got pix of what might have been the original Logan school on clayton&ciocotte. a buddy of mine claims that his house is the old school and it was moved across the st. the inside looked like it might have been a school at one time.
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Slipkid
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Username: Slipkid

Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Monday, March 02, 2009 - 6:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My votes are for Mackenzie, Cooley and Mumford.

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