Property Record
515 SCHOOL ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Elementary School |
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| Other Name: | Elementary School |
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| Reference Number: | 117051 |
| Location (Address): | 515 SCHOOL ST |
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| County: | Waupaca |
| City: | Waupaca |
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| Year Built: | 1938 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1998 |
| Historic Use: | school – elem/middle/jr high/high |
| Architectural Style: | Art Deco |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Oppenhamer & Obel |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | The elementary school is a two-story Classical Revival influenced building with modern details that suggest the Art Deco style. The building is constructed of red brick and has a belt course that defines a faux parapet roof. Pilastes decorate the main entrances and other trim give the building a modern appearance. Windows are multi-light sashes. A large two story wing extends to the back of the main block and a modern addition is attached to the east elevation. Although the details of the building are not elaborate, they suggest the modernism that was popular at the time the building was erected. What is particularly interesting is the building's high level of integrity, even the windows are extant. The elementary school is also historically significant because it is the only historic building associated with the growth and development of the school system in Waupaca still extant in the city. Waupaca's historic school buildings were all on or near this site and the 1938 building was the last of the schools built here. It represents the twentieth century growth of the school system. The school is also historically significant because it was a WPA project. The WPA was the most successful of the work programs of the Great Depression of the 1930s. WPA projects are significant because they represent the federal government's unprecedented entry into direct service to the citizens and the growth of the federal government's role in the twentieth century. Waupaca has several WPA projects, and this school was one of the most important of the buildings erected under this program. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |