Defer Elementary School

Defer Elementary School
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest
Location:	15425 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
Coordinates:	42°23′3.9″N 82°56′15.1″W / 42.384417°N 82.937528°W / 42.384417; -82.937528Coordinates: 42°23′3.9″N 82°56′15.1″W / 42.384417°N 82.937528°W / 42.384417; -82.937528
Built:	1924
Architect:	George J. Haas
Architectural style:	Tudor Revival
Governing body:	Local
NRHP Reference#:	01000458[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP:	May 02, 2001
Designated MSHS:	August 29, 1996[2]

Defer Elementary School is a school building located at 15425 Kercheval in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1996^[2] and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.^[1]

History

In the first two decades of the 20th century, the once predominantly rural Grosse Pointe area transformed into a residential suburb of Detroit. In 1921, in response to the influx of families, five school districts in what is now the Grosse Pointe area were consolidated into Rural Agricultural District No. 1 (later renamed the Grosse Pointe Public School District).^[2] The first building constructed after consolidation was Defer Elementary School, built on the site of a rhubarb patch owned by Ludwig Meininger.^[3] Defer was designed by architect George J. Haas and completed in 1924. The school was named for George Defer, who was at the time the president of Grosse Pointe Park.^[2] At the time of construction, the surrounding neighborhoods were quickly growing, and by 1927 the school was overcrowded. An addition to the school was constructed in 1928.^[2]

Description

Defer Elementary School is a three-story rectangular building built in the Tudor Revival style.^[2] This revival style was popular in Detroit and across the country in the years following World War I, and is symbolic of the prosperity of the era. The exterior is of brick with limestone detailing surrounding doors and windows.^[2] The doors are wood panelled with Gothic arches. The interior is decorated with Pewabic tile; in particular the kindergarten room contains a Pewabic fireplace and drinking fountain.^[2] The 1928 addition contains additional classrooms and a leaded glass conservatory.^[2]

Modern Use

Defer Elementary School is still used by the Grosse Pointe Public School District as an elementary school, and is the oldest building in the district.^[4] Typical enrollment was 465 students, but as of 2010 that number had dropped to approximately 420.^[4].

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2009-03-13. http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/All_Data.html. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} "MI State Historic Preservation Objects: Defer Elementary School". Michigan's Historic Sites Online, a program of the Michigan State Historic Preservation Department. http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/8349.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-10. 
3. ^ Ann Marie Aliotta, Suzy Berschback, Grosse Pointe, Arcadia Publishing, 2007, ISBN 0738550795, p. 35
4. ^ ^{a b} Defer Elementary School at a glance from GrossePointeToday.com, retrieved 3/13/2010

External links

• Defer Elementary School official site