Ready to uncover the story of a school that once stood as an architectural masterpiece? This is Trombly Elementary School. It stood at 820 Beaconsfield in Grosse Pointe Park. Completed in January 1927 Trombly Elementary School was more than just a school. It was a symbol of community pride.
Robert Trombly Elementary School got its name from Robert Trombly. He was a long-time civic leader in Grosse Pointe Park. He served on the school board for 30 years before consolidation in December 1921. He also worked as a landscape architect.
Imagine a two-story Tudor-Gothic style building. That was Trombly Elementary School. It had a high-pitched roof. Red brick and Indiana limestone made up its construction. Old Gothic stone provided intricate detailing around the doors and tall windows. Indiana limestone was a popular material in Grosse Pointe. It was used on homes schools and churches.
Before this impressive structure the original Robert Trombly School stood at Jefferson and Beaconsfield. That four-room building was completed in 1903. In 1925 the School Board purchased 5.24 acres for the new Trombly Elementary School. The cost was $180806. Modern educational planning was carefully considered. A survey determined the school size to fulfill the area’s needs. The survey showed the Windmill Pointe area would have 6445 people. Facilities for 886 elementary school children would be needed. The consultant developed a building for 960 students.
Construction happened in two phases. The first phase finished in 1927. The second concluded in 1930. Martin-Krausman Construction Company won the contract for all trades. The low bid was $265800. The first phase opened on January 31 1927. It had capacity for 540 pupils. This modern building featured many amenities. There was a 40’ x 60’ auditorium and a 40’ x 60’ gymnasium. It also included a playroom two kindergarten rooms six classrooms and a library. The principal’s office a teachers’ rest room and a conservatory added to its appeal.
In 1928 a plan to add a new wing was approved. Smith Hinchman & Grylls designed it. The addition included seven classrooms two literature rooms an art room a music room and a domestic science room. This increased the school’s capacity to 960 pupils. The new wing opened in August 1930.
Architects Smith Hinchman & Grylls were a leading Detroit firm. They were known for large commercial and civic projects. They designed iconic buildings such as Crowleys Department Store and Hudsons Department Store. They also designed the Buhl Building and the Guardian Building.
The total cost for building Robert Trombly Elementary School and purchasing equipment was $423301. It was considered an architectural masterpiece. Sadly Robert Trombly Elementary School closed in June 2020.
Even after its closure Trombly Elementary School received a marker from the Michigan Historical Commission. The dedication ceremony occurred on June 12. Walt Fitzpatrick Trombly’s principal from 2003 until its closure served as emcee. The school colors were red and white. The school started as the Red Devils. Later they became the Terriers in the 1980s.
A time capsule is buried in the brick sign at the corner of Beaconsfield and Essex. It is nearly 100 years old. Decorative tiles inside the school were made by the Flint Faience Tile Co.
Trombly Elementary School represents a significant chapter in Grosse Pointe Park’s history. Its architectural beauty its namesake’s legacy and its impact on the community will not be forgotten.