Mary H. Wright Elementary School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wright, Mary H., Elementary School
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 Location in South Carolina
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| Location | 201 Caulder Ave., Spartanburg, South Carolina |
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| Area | 8.9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1951 |
| Architect | Hudson, W. Manchester; Chapman, A. Hugh Jr. |
| Architectural style | International Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000798 |
| Added to NRHP | August 3, 2007 |
The Mary H. Wright Elementary School building is a historic place in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was built in 1951. This school was part of a plan by South Carolina Governor James F. Byrnes to create "separate but equal" schools. This was an effort to avoid mixing students of different races in schools.
After schools became integrated, the building continued to be an elementary school. It served students until 2001. That year, a new school with the same name was built nearby. For several years after, the old building was used as a learning center and then an office. It became empty in 2016. In 2022, the building was updated and turned into apartments called Schoolhouse Lofts. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 3, 2007.
Contents
History of the School Building
Building for a Purpose
The Mary H. Wright Elementary School was built in 1951. At that time, laws in the United States kept people of different races separate. This was known as segregation. Governor James F. Byrnes wanted to keep schools separate. He tried to make them "equal" by building new schools for African American students. This was an attempt to avoid having to integrate, or mix, schools.
The school was designed by architects W. Manchester Hudson and A. Hugh Chapman Jr. They used a style called International Style. This style often features clean lines and simple shapes.
Life After Segregation
Even after schools across the country began to integrate, Mary H. Wright Elementary continued to operate. It served as a community school for many years. Generations of students learned and grew within its walls.
However, as time passed, the building became older. A new, modern school was needed for the students. In 2001, a brand new Mary H. Wright Elementary School was built close by. The students moved to the new building.
A New Chapter: Schoolhouse Lofts
After the school closed, the old building found new uses. For a while, it served as a learning center. Later, it became an office for a housing authority. This continued for several years.
By 2016, the building was empty. It sat vacant for some time. Then, in 2022, a big project began. The old school was renovated and transformed. It became a modern apartment complex called Schoolhouse Lofts. This gave the historic building a new life.
Why It's Historic
The Mary H. Wright Elementary School building is important for its history. It shows a specific time in American education. It represents the "separate but equal" era. Because of its historical importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on August 3, 2007. Being on this list means the building is recognized as a significant part of the nation's history.
External links
- Spartanburg County School District No. 7
