Detroit Public High School History: Architects

**MrWCF** · January-14-13, 05:06 AM

I've found the architects of many of the buildings in which Detroit public high schools are/were housed, but 20 of them have remained elusive. I wonder if anyone can help in solving these mysteries. [[Some will be very difficult, I believe.) Here they are:

1. Capitol HS was temporarily housed in the Biddle House Hotel at Jefferson and Randolph from 1893 to 1896. The hotel was built in 1849.

2. Detroit HS began in a building on Miami Ave. [[now a vacant lot at 1354 Broadway) between Gratiot and Grand River. The HS was housed there from 1858 to 1863.

3. A building built in 1861 and enlarged in 1907 and 1910 at Second and Grand River housed Cass Union HS from 1907 to 1910, Cass Tech HS from 1910 to 1912, and Commerce HS from 1909 to 1912. Most of it burned down in 1912.

4. A building built on the same site as #3 at Second and Grand River in 1912 housed Cass Tech HS from 1912 to 1922, and Commerce HS from 1912 to 1918 and 1922 to 1964. It was demolished in 1964 to make way for the Fisher Fwy.

5. The Wilkins School was built in 1869 and was located on South Porter between Second and Third. It housed Commerce HS from 1918 to 1922.

6. The Higgins School at 9200 Olivet was built in 1878 and enlarged in 1895. It housed Higgins HS from 1907 to 1913. [[Another school was built on the same site in 1930.)

7. The Williams School built in 1890 at 3524 E. Canfield housed Eastern HS from 1895 to 1897.

8. The Harris School built in 1897 at 3622 Pulford housed Eastern HS from 1897 to 1901.

9. The Hunter School built in 1914 and enlarged in 1920 at 530 S. Colonial housed Hunter HS from 1920 to 1922.

10. Nordstrum HS was built in 1916 at 6921 Fort and was merged into Southwestern HS in 1922.

11. Burroughs School built in 1924 at 8950 Saint Cyril housed Crockett Tech HS from 2006 to 2012.

12. Wilbur Wright HS [[1928-1967) was built in 1928 at 4333 12th street.

13. Pershing HS [[1930-present) was built in 1930 at 18875 Ryan.

14. Cody HS [[1952-present) was built in 1952 at 18445 Cathedral.

15. Henry Ford HS [[1959-present) was built in 1957 at 20000 Evergreen.

16. Osborn HS [[1957-present) was built in 1957 at 11600 E. 7 Mile.

17. Philip Murray HS [[1965-1967) / Murray-Wright HS [[1967-2007) was built in 1965 at 2001 W. Warren.

18. Eastern HS [[1966-1968) / M.L. King HS [[1968-2011) was built in 1966 at 3200 E. Lafayette. [[A new building was built on the site in 2011.)

19. Northwestern HS [[1980-present) was built beginning in 1972 and finishing in 1980 at 2200 W. Grand Blvd.

20. Crockett Tech was housed at 571 Mack from 1992 to 2006.

Any help in solving any of these mysteries would be most appreciated!

**p69rrh51** · January-14-13, 08:43 AM

Pershing-Smith, Hinchman & Grylls 1929
Henry Ford-Giffels & Vallet 1956
Nordstrum-Malcomson & Higginbotham 1915

**MrWCF** · January-14-13, 09:42 AM

Thank you--very much appreciated! I suspected Smith Hinchman Grylls for Pershing because they did Denby. I also suspected Malcomson Higginbotham for Nordstrum because they did Southwestern. But I could never confirm either of them. Might I ask the sources for your three answers? [[I'm writing a book on the history of Detroit public High Schools.)

**p69rrh51** · January-14-13, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by MrWCF

Thank you--very much appreciated! I suspected Smith Hinchman Grylls for Pershing because they did Denby. I also suspected Malcomson Higginbotham for Nordstrum because they did Southwestern. But I could never confirm either of them. Might I ask the sources for your three answers? [[I'm writing a book on the history of Detroit public High Schools.)

The recent survey for the 3 schools nomination for inclusion on the national register. Great project I will look forward to the finished product!

**MrWCF** · January-15-13, 03:53 AM

I'd like to read more on the survey; can you give the URL for the survey [[if it's online), or the publication [[if it's not online)? Thanks!

**gazhekwe** · January-15-13, 08:34 AM

This will be a fascinating read for sure. I found this letter which describes on page 3 the history of McMillan as an all grades school, designed by Malcolmson an Higginbotham. When one principal was transferred to Nordstrum in 1916, he took the high school division with him.

https://www.detroitmi.gov/LinkClick....=3096&mid=4357

**Islandman** · January-15-13, 12:44 PM

Was it true that there is used to be another school across from Cass Tech that started as a pickle factory or some sort of factory? I remember abn older lady telling me this story. Apparently there was a bridge between the two?

Ringing any bells for anyone?

**EastsideAl** · January-15-13, 01:32 PM

I know nothing about a pickle factory, but Commerce High was joined to Cass Tech by a bridge across Vernor for many years. Commerce was torn down, and Vernor ripped up, for the construction of the Fisher Freeway [[I-75) in the mid-1960s.

Commerce was originally built as Cass Tech in 1912, and Cass was there until it moved across the street into it's big new building in 1922. Before 1912 the Commerce High site was the location of the Cass Union School, which had been started on the land of the Lewis Cass farm around 1860 as a vocational training school for young men.

A couple pictures of Cass showing the bridge to Commerce:

**65memories** · January-15-13, 01:42 PM

http://historicdetroit.org/building/...gh-school-old/

**p69rrh51** · January-15-13, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by MrWCF

I'd like to read more on the survey; can you give the URL for the survey [[if it's online), or the publication [[if it's not online)? Thanks!

The list was originally online, but it is now down. If I remember the Detroit News had something to do with the online list. You could contact the National Trust they might be able to help you. For those on Facebook a link to my Malcomson & Higginbotham album. Many of the schools in album are part of the nominations.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6515382&type=3

**DetroitPlanner** · January-15-13, 03:31 PM

I am not sure who did Cody but I am willing to bet it was the same people who did State Hall at WSU. When I first walked into State Hall I was instantly transported back to when I attended Kindergarten and Summer School there.

It was like when I walked into either the Library of Congress or Supreme Court and was instantly transported to the Main DPL [[JP Crete).

**Kathleen** · January-15-13, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

I am not sure who did Cody but I am willing to bet it was the same people who did State Hall at WSU. When I first walked into State Hall I was instantly transported back to when I attended Kindergarten and Summer School there.

It was like when I walked into either the Library of Congress or Supreme Court and was instantly transported to the Main DPL [[JP Crete).

State Hall was designed by Suren Pilafian in 1948.

And the main Detroit Public Library was designed by Cass Gilbert. Paul Philippe Cret designed the Detroit Institute of Arts.

**Islandman** · January-15-13, 05:05 PM

Thanks EastsideAl, that was it.

**Cincinnati_Kid** · January-15-13, 06:08 PM

Who was the architect of Cooley High School, and what year was it built? Cooley had the most distinctive and beautiful design of all the Detroit High Schools IMHO.

**p69rrh51** · January-15-13, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by Cincinnati_Kid

Who was the architect of Cooley High School, and what year was it built? Cooley had the most distinctive and beautiful design of all the Detroit High Schools IMHO.

One of Donaldson & Meier's best non religious designs built in 1927. A link to my D&M Facebook album.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6515382&type=3

**MrWCF** · January-15-13, 07:23 PM

Great photos! Many of them so sad as these beautiful creations are attacked by vandals, graffitists, scrappers, and scavengers. When did you take the photos? It looks like they were taken in the last few years.

**MrWCF** · January-15-13, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by p69rrh51

Pershing-Smith, Hinchman & Grylls 1929
Henry Ford-Giffels & Vallet 1956
Nordstrum-Malcomson & Higginbotham 1915

I think Vallet might be a typo; it should be Valet, if I'm not mistaken.

**p69rrh51** · January-15-13, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by MrWCF

I think Vallet might be a typo; it should be Valet, if I'm not mistaken.

I think you are right, heavy fingers sometimes. Most of the images were taken within the last 2 years.

**MrWCF** · January-15-13, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by p69rrh51

The list was originally online, but it is now down. If I remember the Detroit News had something to do with the online list. You could contact the National Trust they might be able to help you. For those on Facebook a link to my Malcomson & Higginbotham album. Many of the schools in album are part of the nominations.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6515382&type=3

Great photos! Many of them so sad as these beautiful creations are attacked by vandals, graffitists, scrappers, and scavengers. When did you take the photos? It looks like they were taken in the last few years.

**p69rrh51** · January-15-13, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by MrWCF

Great photos! Many of them so sad as these beautiful creations are attacked by vandals, graffitists, scrappers, and scavengers. When did you take the photos? It looks like they were taken in the last few years.

Thx I am glad you enjoy the images. I still have a few more schools to photograph, and as with Donaldson & Meier the images were taken in the last 2 years.

**MrWCF** · January-15-13, 07:46 PM

In case anyone is interested, here is what my research has produced so far. Talk about a labor of love...
[[I'll make it a 3-part post because of its size.)

High School	HS Period	Address	Built, Additions	Architect
Aero Mechanics	1943-1968	13214 French	Unknown	Unknown
Aero Mechanics Davis Aero Tech	1968-1982 1982-present	10200 Erwin.	Unknown	Unknown
Capitol	1863-1893	State & Griswold	1832, 1875	Obed Wait
Capitol	1893-1896	Jefferson & Randolph	1849	Unknown
Cass Technical Commerce Commerce	1912-1922 1912-1918 1922-1964	Second & Grand River	1912	Unknown
Cass Technical	1922-2005	2421 Second	1922, 1985	Malcomson & Higginbotham Albert Kahn & Associates
Cass Technical	2005-present	2501 Second	2005	TMP Associates
Cass Union Cass Technical Commerce	1907-1910 1910-1912 1909-1912	Second & Grand River	1861, 1907, 1910	Unknown
Central	1926-present	2425 Tuxedo	1926	Malcomson, Higginbotham & Palmer
Chadsey	1931-2009	5335 Martin	1931	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Cody	1952-present	18445 Cathedral	1952	Unknown
Cooley	1928-2010	15055 Hubbell	1928	Donaldson and Meier
Crockett Tech	1992-2006	571 Mack	Unknown	Unknown
Crockett Tech	2006-2012	8950 Saint Cyril	1924	Unknown
Denby	1930-present	12800 Kelly	1930	Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls
Detroit	1858-1863	1354 Broadway	1858	Unknown
Detroit Central	1896-1926	4841 Cass	1896	Malcomson & Higginbotham
E Eng Vil Prep Acad	2012-present	5020 Cadieux	2012	Albert Kahn and Associates

**MrWCF** · January-15-13, 07:47 PM

High School	HS Period	Address	Built, Additions	Architect
East Commerce	1926-1957	8411 Sylvester	1914	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Eastern	1895-1897	3524 E. Canfield	1890	Unknown
Eastern	1897-1901	3622 Pulford	1897	Unknown
Eastern	1901-1966	7200 Mack	1901	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Eastern M.L. King	1966-1968 1968-2011	3200 E. Lafayette	1966	Unknown
Finney	1964-2008	17200 Southampton	1929, 1931, 1949, 1950, 1956	Austin W. Howe Eberle M. Smith Associates
Finney	2008-2012	4180 Marlborough	1927	Bernard C. Wetzel and Co.
Henry Ford	1959-present	20000 Evergreen	1957	Giffels and Valet
Higgins	1907-1913	9200 Olivet	1878, 1895	Unknown
Hunter	1920-1922	530 S. Colonial	1914, 1920	Unknown
Kettering	1965-2012	6101 Van Dyke	1965	Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls
M.L. King	2011-present	3200 E. Lafayette	2011	TMP Associates
Mackenzie	1928-2007	9275 Wyoming	1928	Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls
McMillan	1907-1916	615 S. West End	1895, 1922	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Miller	1933-1957	2322 Dubois	1921, 1922, 1931, 1951	Malcomson & Higginbotham

**MrWCF** · January-15-13, 07:48 PM

High School	HS Period	Address	Built, Additions	Architect
Mumford	1949-2012	17525 Wyoming	1949	McGrath and Dohmen
Mumford	2012-present	17525 Wyoming	2012	Hamilton Anderson Associates
Nordstrum	1916-1922	6921 W. Fort	1916	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Northeastern	1916-1982	4830, 4872 Grandy	1916	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Northern	1917-2008	9026 Woodward	1917	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Northwestern	1911-1980	6300 Grand River	1911	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Northwestern	1980-present	2200 W. Grand Blvd.	1980	Unknown
Osborn	1957-present	11600 E. 7 Mile	1957	Unknown
Pershing	1930-present	18875 Ryan	1930	Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls
Philip Murray Murray-Wright	1965-1967 1967-2007	2001 W. Warren	1965	Unknown
Redford	1921-2007	21431 Grand River	1921, many add’s	Burrowes & Eurich
Renaissance	1978-2005	6565 W. Outer Drive	1951	Charles D. Hannan
Renaissance	2005-present	6565 W. Outer Drive	2005	Gunn Levine
Southeastern	1917-present	3030 Fairview	1917, 1918, 1930, 2005	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Southwestern	1922-2012	6921 W. Fort	1922, 1926	Malcomson, Higginbotham & Palmer
Western	1898-1935	1500 Scotten	1898	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Western	1937-present	1500 Scotten	1937	Malcomson & Higginbotham
Wilbur Wright	1928-1967	4333 Twelfth	1928	Unknown
Wilkins	1918-1922	S. Porter & Second	1869	Unknown

**Kathleen** · January-15-13, 08:27 PM

Working for Malcolmson & Higginbotham at the time, Wirt Roland is the architect credited with these three high schools:

Northwestern High School [[1911)
Northern High School [[1915)
Southeastern High School [[1915)

Rowland's name is on the cornerstone at Northern HS.

**Kathleen** · January-15-13, 08:42 PM

On a list of Louis Kamper buildings that I compiled over many years is listed the 1895 addition to Higgins School. If I can put my hands on the source of that info, I will post it.