Historic Structure Report: Old Grand Canyon School
Preservation Studies Program, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona. 2007. Historic Structure Report: Old Grand Canyon School. Historic Structure Report. National Park Service
This Historic Structure Report concerns the Old Grand Canyon School. The Old Grand Canyon School was constructed in 1916 to replace the original school building at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Its layout was based on the principles of rural schoolhouse architecture and its design dictated by the unique setting. At the time, the south rim had little regulation regarding building construction and no town plan. After management shifted to the National Park Service in 1919, a town plan was developed to organize the various needs and users. As the Village expanded. the Grand Canyon became a place where residents could settle and raise families. More than any other building. the Old Grand Canyon School marks the change from pioneer settlement to organized community. The Old Grand Canyon School is generally in fair condition with three major deficiencies. Many of the wood slab skirting boards are in direct contact with the ground and are displaced or decayed. The increased book load in the original (north) section of the building has led to structural issues. The building also suffers problems of access. including an entrance ramp that detracts from the character of the building and site. The recommended ultimate treatment of presentation for this building has four main components.1 In order of priority, they are: 1. Perform site work. including regrading: 2. Stabilize the Old Grand Canyon School by correcting differential settlement, installing a foundation appropriate for the building's current use as a library. adding otl1er support members to the floor and roof systems. and correcting affected materials where specified; 3. Repair building exterior. including log siding. skirting. and trim. Install a modern heating. Ventilation. and air conditioning system; and 4. Reconfigure access to and from the building. including appropriate signage.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Preservation Studies Program, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona
- Date of Issue
- 2007-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GRCA , IMR
- Subjects
- CRIS-HS: 055447: Grand Canyon School