PRESERVATION ALERT: Historic Schools & the DPS Bond Program Late on Friday afternoon Historic Denver learned that DPS has applied for a Certificate of Non-Historic Status for the Emily Griffith Opportunity School. As many of you know, a Certificate of Non-Historic Status, if granted, means that property can be demolished anytime within a five year period without further historic review. You can read more about the Certificate of Non-Historic status process HERE. Historic Denver is concerned about this action for three reasons. First, it does not follow the spirit of DPS' own policy regarding the historic designation of schools. This policy, adopted in 2002, is the result of a collaborative dialogue with key stakeholders, including Historic Denver. As part of the policy DPS conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its historic resources and rated the structures in a tiered system, with Tier I schools being the most significant and acknowledged as eligible for designation. This came with the expectation that the Board of Education would support designation efforts for such properties. Emily Griffith was identified as a Tier I in 2002 and as such the Certificate of Non-Historic Status Application came as a surprise, despite news that DPS may decide to sell the property. Second, the Emily Griffith Opportunity School is a unique and influential institution in Denver, and the structures on the site, bounded by 12th, 13th, Wynkoop and Glenarm, represent the tremendous effort of a determined individual, Emily Griffith, to provide education and opportunity for all. While the property has evolved over time much of the site was designed and built during Emily Griffith's lifetime, and some during her tenure at the school from its founding in 1916 to 1934. The Classical Revival and Streamline Modern structures, along with modern additions, represent the building quality of DPS schools in the early 20th century. Prominent architects, including W. Gordon Jamieson, were involved in its design. Furthermore, more than 1.6 million students have passed through its halls, many first-generation Americans or recent immigrants who went on to fruitful careers in a variety of trades including aviation, mechanics and even hat-making! Read more history below and on our website. Finally, Historic Denver is concerned about the lack of transparency in the decision to move forward with the Certificate of Non-Historic Status process prior to the School Board's decision regarding the fate of the school, and prior to a thorough public conversation about its future, including reuse options. The school is a nearly 100 year-old public asset, which the community has supported with tax dollars for several generations. It warrants more thoughtful dialogue. CALL TO ACTION: What You Can Do Please contact your school board representative and let them know you think the original Emily Griffith site deserves more consideration, and that you endorse the 2002 Board adopted policy regarding historic schools. For a list of School Board Members and e-mail addresses click HERE. Additionally, if you are interested in conducting research or volunteering in other ways please let us know. HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE Emily Griffith moved to Colorado in 1894 and worked as a substitute teacher in Denver Public Schools until she secured support from DPS to start a less traditional school, one that offered evening classes, citizenship courses and technical training in a variety of trades. The school opened its doors in 1916 in an unused school structure at 12th & Welton. In the 1920s the original school building on the site was demolished to make way for a new building, the one that now fronts 12th and Welton. Several years later an addition, designed by W. Gordon Jamieson, expanded the site up Welton Street and in the 1950s a set of one-story shops were built along Glenarm. Giffith's motto was "Public Opportunity- For All Who Wish to Learn" and the words Opportunity and Achievement are emblazoned above the doors on Welton Street. Early courses focused on English, bricklaying, carpentry and millinery. During World War II the school's services expanded to include trades useful in wartime, including aviation and mechanics. Many of these courses still exist and have provided training to thousands of Denver residents. Griffith's innovative efforts have made a lasting impact on the city, and she is honored for her contributions with a stained glass window in the State Capitol. |
0 comments:
Post a Comment