1238 Geele Ave

Summary

Washington Elementary School
1238 Geele Avenue, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53083-4761
Architect: H.C. Koch (1911); R. R. Jahn (1926 additions)
Date of Construction: 1911; 1926 addition

The Washington School is a good example of a modern grade school in the Neoclassical Revival style in the city of Sheboygan, designed by a prominent architect. Designed by the architectural firm of H.C. Koch and Son of Milwaukee and constructed in 1911-1912, the Washington School served as a grade school until its closing in 2013.

The school was built to relieve overcrowding in Sheboygan’s Eighth Ward School and Horace Mann Elementary School. H.C. Koch & Son's design for the school incorporated fireproof construction; interior spaces included classrooms, an office, library, and two large reception rooms to serve the needs of pupils from kindergarten through eighth grade, reflecting the expansion of public education and the growth of the City of Sheboygan. Two additions were completed in 1926, adding a gymnasium and nine classrooms.

With its original spatial layout including corridors, classrooms with minor alterations, and stairs remaining intact, the Washington School’s original 1911 building, along with its 1926 additions, is a good local example of an early-twentieth century graded school. The red brick building displays a number of important character-defining characteristics typical of twentieth century Neoclassical Revival style architecture.

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