Defer Elementary School
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Defer Elementary School
| nrhp_type =
| image = Defer_Elementary_School,_Grosse_Pointe_Park,_Michigan_(October_12,_2008).jpg
| caption =
| location = 15425 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
| coordinates = {{coord|42.3831|-82.9372|region:US-MI_type:edu|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin =
| area =
| built = 1924
| architect = George J. Haas
| architecture = Tudor Revival
| added = May 02, 2001
| refnum = 01000458{{NRISref|2009a}}
| designated_other1 = Michigan State Historic Site
| designated_other1_date = August 29, 1996
| designated_other1_number =
| designated_other1_num_position = bottom
}}
Defer Elementary School is a school building located at 15425 Kercheval in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan in Metro Detroit. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1996 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. A part of the Grosse Pointe Public School System, it serves much of Grosse Pointe Park."[http://gpschools.schoolwires.net/cms/lib05/MI01000971/Centricity/Domain/30/_Files/gppssdistrictmap.pdf District Map]." Grosse Pointe Public School System. Retrieved on January 8, 2017."[http://www.grossepointepark.org/images/code/PDF/GPP_Zoning_Map.pdf Zoning Map]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}." Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. Retrieved on January 8, 2017.
History
In the first two decades of the 20th century, the once predominantly rural Grosse Pointe area transformed into a residential suburb of Detroit. In 1921, in response to the influx of families, five school districts in what is now the Grosse Pointe area were consolidated into Rural Agricultural District No. 1 (later renamed the Grosse Pointe Public School District).{{cite web|url=http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/8349.htm |title=MI State Historic Preservation Objects: Defer Elementary School |publisher=Michigan's Historic Sites Online, a program of the Michigan State Historic Preservation Department |access-date=2010-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606123431/http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/8349.htm |archive-date=2011-06-06 }} The first building constructed after consolidation was Defer Elementary School, built on the site of a rhubarb patch owned by Ludwig Meininger.[https://books.google.com/books?id=UGLm1KBh5soC Ann Marie Aliotta, Suzy Berschback], Grosse Pointe, Arcadia Publishing, 2007, {{ISBN|0-7385-5079-5}}, p. 35 Defer was designed by architect George J. Haas and completed in 1924. The school was named for George Defer, who was at the time the president of Grosse Pointe Park. At the time of construction, the surrounding neighborhoods were quickly growing, and by 1927 the school was overcrowded. An addition to the school was constructed in 1928.
Description
Defer Elementary School is a three-story rectangular building built in the Tudor Revival style. This revival style was popular in Detroit and across the country in the years following World War I, and is symbolic of the prosperity of the era. The exterior is of brick with limestone detailing surrounding doors and windows. The doors are wood panelled with Gothic arches. The interior is decorated with Pewabic tile; in particular the kindergarten room contains a Pewabic fireplace and drinking fountain. The 1928 addition contains additional classrooms and a leaded glass conservatory.
Modern use and feeder pattern
Defer Elementary School is still used by the Grosse Pointe Public School District as an elementary school, and is the oldest building in the district.[http://grossepointetoday.com/schools/elementary-schools/defer/00690-defer-elementary-school-glance Defer Elementary School at a glance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215223949/http://grossepointetoday.com/schools/elementary-schools/defer/00690-defer-elementary-school-glance |date=2010-12-15 }} from GrossePointeToday.com, retrieved 3/13/2010 Typical enrollment was 465 students, but as of 2010 that number had dropped to approximately 420.
Residents zoned to Defer are also zoned to Pierce Middle School in Grosse Pointe Park and Grosse Pointe South High School in Grosse Pointe Farms.
References
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External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100127022118/http://gpschools.schoolwires.net/gpdefer/site/default.asp Defer Elementary School] official site
{{Grosse Pointe}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Michigan}}
Category:Schools in Wayne County, Michigan
Category:School buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan
Category:Public elementary schools in Michigan
Category:School buildings completed in 1924
Category:Michigan State Historic Sites
Category:National Register of Historic Places in Wayne County, Michigan