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Property Location
Property Features
2018 survey report write-up: Reflecting a modest Classical Revival influence, this two-story plus raised basement school building features a stone water table above the basement level that wraps around the entire structure. Likewise, the cornice includes continuous stone trim around the structure, beneath which is dentil-like stonework. Shaped parapets are located somewhat regularly around the building, three of which identify the building’s three original entrances that feature stone surrounds. A one-story bay projection (this space reportedly contained the original kindergarten classroom) extends from the northeast end of the primary elevation.
Designed by the Milwaukee firm of Van Ryn & DeGelleke and originally known as the Sixth Ward School, excavation of this building began in October 1909 and officially opened for classes on 11 September 1910. At the time the school was built, it was considered the edge of the city and the community was doubtful that the city would expand much, if at all, further north. A reported 1,000,000 red bricks and between 80 and 90 tons of structural steel was used for its construction. Although estimated to cost $56,000, numbers came in at $63,000. Because the school was not immediately filled with students, not all of the second-floor classrooms were completed, which thereby reduced the overall initial cost. It was not until 1925 that all classrooms were complete. The school officially changed its name to Grant School in February 1912, named after Ulysses S. Grant. The school included only K-2 the first year and K-5 the next. Ultimately the school would expand to include up to the 8th grade. In 1988, by which time the school was used only for elementary grades, a significant $900,000 remodeling program was completed and, in 2001, a new gymnasium, designed by SDS Architects of Eau Claire, was built at the rear of the school.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
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