Fairbanks City Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Main School
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 Location in Downtown Fairbanks
Location in Alaska
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| Location | 800 Cushman Street, Fairbanks, Alaska |
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| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | 1934 |
| Built by | William MacDonald Construction Company |
| Architect | Tourtellotte & Hummel |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001472 |
| Added to NRHP | September 27, 1990 |
The Patrick B. Cole Fairbanks City Hall is an important building in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is located at 800 Cushman Street in the downtown area. This building is also known as Main School or Old Main because it used to be a school.
It is made of concrete and built in the Art Deco style. Construction finished in 1934. This new building replaced the first Fairbanks school, which was made of wood and burned down in late 1932. As Fairbanks grew, especially during World War II and the Cold War, the building was made bigger in 1939 and again in 1948.
Contents
History of the Main School Building
Serving as Fairbanks' Only School
From its opening in 1934, this building was the only school in Fairbanks. It served all students until Denali Elementary School opened in 1951. After that, it became a junior and senior high school for several years.
Becoming a Junior High School
Later, when Lathrop High School started, this building became Main Junior High School. It continued as a junior high until the early 1970s. At that time, Ryan Junior High School and Tanana Junior High School opened, taking its place.
From School to Offices
After Main Junior High closed, the building was mostly used for special alternative education programs. Its main purpose then became housing the offices for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. It served in this role from 1976 until 1993. Most of these offices moved to a new location on Fifth Avenue in the mid-1980s. After that, the building was empty for many years.
Current Use of the Building
Fairbanks City Hall Today
Since 1994, the building has been home to the city offices of Fairbanks. These offices moved from the previous City Hall building. This building is now officially called the Patrick B. Cole City Hall.
Community Services and Activities
Besides city offices, the old school gymnasium is now used by the Fairbanks Boys & Girls Club. This club provides a safe place for young people to learn and grow. In the past, other groups like the Fairbanks Boxing Club and the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce also used parts of the building.
Recognized as a Historic Place
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It was listed under its original name, Main School. The building was later renamed the Patrick B. Cole City Hall. This was done to honor Patrick Cole, who served as City Manager and Chief of Staff for many Fairbanks City Mayors for a long time.
See also
