The Whittier School is a historic building that was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 2007, for its area of significance in architecture. Built in the 1930s, the building is a vernacular version of many WPA type projects that were constructed during that time. The exterior walls are made of brick, and a stone belt course exists on all elevations along with modillion blocks near the roofline. The building has a red clay tile hipped roof, and stone sills and lintels are featured on all the windows.
Despite its age, the Whittier School Building still retains a high percentage of original materials. The classrooms, for example, still have parquet wood flooring, while the interior of the building boasts woodwork trim. Additionally, the hallways boast terrazzo floors, and the plaster walls and ceilings remain intact. The library also features the original hardwood shelving.
Overall, the Whittier School stands out as an exceptional example of the historic architecture found in many WPA type projects of the 1930s. Its unique blend of brick and stone, combined with its well-maintained original materials, make it a true architectural treasure.
Posted by South Dakota National Register of Historic Places on 2021-01-06 21:37:13