Central School

Central School is significant as the oldest remaining school building in Pontiac. It is also significant as an example of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style adapted to school design. Built in 1893, the building remains in nearly original condition as a good example of a turn-of-the-century public school. The building was continually used as an elementary school for eighty-nine years, from 1893 until 1982. The Central School stands on the site of Pontiac's Union School built in 1853. After forty years of operation, Union School was demolished and the Central School built on the same location at a cost of $12,000. The building was designed to accommodate 320 students in four classrooms per floor. Each classroom contained one grade, there being eight grades in the school. The contractor for the building was H. Heitsch, a local builder/contractor who owned and operated the Pontiac Planing Mill located on Water Street and Pike. Born in Switzerland in 1825, Heitsch came to Pontiac in 1853. This resource retains almost all of its original significant design. The first addition in 1917 contributes to the significance of the resource. It was designed to be compatible with the original building; detailed with identical roof, eave, and materials and separated by a setback connector. The second addition, built in 1957, is completely contemporary in design. However, due to its location and low height, it does not detract from the architectural significance of the original building and its first addition. The Central School is immediately identifiable as part of the Pontiac school system for almost one century. The building has retained complete integrity and readily conveys the feeling of the historical period through which it has been in existence. It currently houses the adult education and job placement program of the Pontiac School District.

The Central School is a two-and-one-half story brick structure located on a high point of ground two blocks east of Pontiac’s central business district. Built in 1893, the simplified Richardsonian Romanesque style building is dominated by a four story, pyramid-roofed tower projecting from the center of the main (south) facade. The building is topped with a slate-covered, steeply-pitched, and flat-decked hip roof. The roof is punctuated with projecting gables on the side elevations and hipped dormers. An addition was built in 1917 which continues the materials, scale and detailing of the original structure and is separated by a setback connector. Another addition was added in 1957 which is low and unobtrusive. The windows on the front facade have been replaced; otherwise the building is unaltered. At the front facade, a central bell tower with a pyramid roof rises above the main building block. The open platform at the top of the tower has round arched masonry openings at each of the four elevations. The main round arched entrance opening is located at the base of the tower. The hip roof still has the original slate shingles. At the east and west facades, a gable roof is situated over the side entrances similar in treatment to the main entrance. The tower and gables are flanked by small hip roofed dormers. Window openings at the first and second floors are rectangular with wood double hung windows and transoms. Exterior brick walls rest on an ashlar granite foundation that is exposed one-half story above grade. The original building contains 16,331 square feet; a 1917 addition for additional classroom facilities added 8,952 square feet; and an activity room addition in 1957 added 6,996 square feet. The original room arrangement of the first and second floors is unchanged to the present date. The large central hall at the entrance connects to a cross hall which forms four classrooms per floor. Interior finishes include plaster ceilings with acoustical tiles added, plaster walls and maple flooring. All classrooms are outfitted with original oak base, chair rail, and picture rail, and slate chalkboards with oak trim still exist in their original locations. Lighting has been updated with fluorescent fixtures. Classrooms and corridors are outfitted with vertical grooved wainscot. Built-in closets and classroom doors are original. The original pneumatic master clock system is still in operation.