About Roosevelt School (Ames, Iowa)
Historic Architecture, Architecture, Interesting Places, Other Buildings And Structures
Roosevelt School, also known as Second Ward School, is a historic building located in Ames, Iowa, United States. It is significant as an example of a Progressive Era school building that served as a neighborhood elementary school from its construction in 1924 until it was closed in 2005. It was designed by the local architectural firm of Kimball, Bailie & Cowgill. It exemplifies the ideals of "ample sunlight, fresh air, and open space for the innovative subjects and learning conditions advocated by Progressive educators." The stripped-down version of the Beaux-Arts style of the two-story brick structure also embodied the progressive philosophy of constructing noble public buildings. During its years as a school the building served as a catylist for the development of the neighborhood from the 1920s to the 1950s, and served as its community center, park and playground.
