A majestic brick structure stands before you. This is the Clay School the oldest school building still standing in Detroit. Built in 1888 it’s a testament to Detroit’s rich history. Architect J B Tarleton designed this magnificent building. It replaced an earlier frame school from 1873. The street it sits on has changed names over the years. It was once Pitcher Street then Stimson then Myrtle Avenue. Today it’s Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.
The Clay School wasn’t always an elementary school. From 1888 to 1923 it served young students. But for eight years after that it became a special education center. This was for boys with discipline problems. Later it housed vocational studies and offices for a nursing center. The Detroit Board of Education sold the building in 1981. Plans are underway to rehabilitate it for office use.
Take a moment to appreciate the architecture. The two-story brick building is rectangular. Notice the high basement demarcated with a stone watertable. The central pavilion on the street facade is striking. It features a round-arched main entry embellished with stone. A masonry tower once held a cupola but it was removed in the 1970s. The windows are double-hung sash with beautiful arched details. The original interior trim is largely intact. This includes paneled doors beaded wainscoting and hardwood floors.
The Clay School’s story is one of adaptation and resilience. It’s a reminder of Detroit’s educational past. Its transformation into an office building reflects the city’s ongoing evolution. Yet the building itself stands strong. A remarkable piece of Detroit’s history. It stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit. Let’s move on to our next destination.