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Large trees help create a park-like
feel at McKinley Park
School
Photo by Mella Rothwell
Harmon, Courtesy of Nevada State Historic Preservation Office
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Designed by local architect George Ferris in 1909, the McKinley Park School
was one of four Reno schools known as the "Spanish Quartet," single-story
Mission Revival style schools built around the turn of the 20th century
(see also Mount Rose Elementary School). The schools
represent a growth spurt in the city of Reno and were highly praised at
the time of their construction for their modern convenience and technology,
as well as their potential to serve as community focal points. The use
of Mission Revival style has been attributed to the preference of school
superintendent at the time, B.D. Billinghurst, who was enamored of Spanish
architecture. However, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction
reported to the legislature in 1915 that mission architecture was chosen
as it "is especially adapted to one-story buildings," and he added "there
is nothing better for school purposes than one-story buildings. The one-story
plan eliminates the stair climbing so destructive to the nervous strength
of pupils and teachers, and also renders danger from fire impossible."
Central open court of McKinley Park
School
Photo by Mella Rothwell Harmon, courtesy of Nevada State Historic
Preservation Office |
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McKinley Park School is situated across Riverside Drive from the Truckee
River and large trees give the expansive grounds a park-like feel. The
stucco-surfaced school is U-shaped with a central open court and an arcade
sheltering the main entry. A two-story central tower stands at the base
of the U, with a one-story wing extending behind it. The school has undergone
rehabilitation and now serves as the City of Reno's Arts and Culture Center,
which is open to the public. The rehabilitation effort was supported through
grant funds from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund.
The McKinley Park School is located at 925 Riverside Dr. in Reno.
Call 775-334-2417 for activities and events.
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