| Additional Information: | 2018: Gymnasium removed and a new one (by SDS Architects) built in 2001 at the rear.
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. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Cornerstone.
FRIENDS OF WAUSAU HISTORIC LANDMARKS, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 1995.
Aucutt, Hettinga and Jansen, Wausau Beautiful (2nd edition, 2010), page 176.
Citations for 2018 survey report information below: “Site of Grant School, Largest of Public Grades, Once Remote,” Wausau Daily Record-Herald, 6 March 1947, Clipping in Grant School file, MCHSRL; “Open House Tuesday at Remodeled Grant” Wausau Daily Herald, 1 February 1988, 3A/1; “Grant School History, 1910-1987,” Written for the school’s Open House held on 2 February 1988, following a major renovation project, Researched and written by Mary Stremlau, Wausau District Communications, in Grant School file, Marathon County Historical Society Research Library; Aucutt, Hettinga & Jansen, Wausau Beautiful, 176. |
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