By Mary Humstone
June 1, 2016
HISTORY, FACTS, & ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
• Constructed: 1919-20; Progressive Era; 1939, 1961, 1986 additions
• Architect: Wilbur Hitchcock
• One of only a few school buildings in the state that incorporated elements of the Craftsman style to provide a more home-like environment for younger students.
• The school was designed to blend in with the surrounding Undine Park neighborhood.
• The school was originally called Southside School and then Parkview in 1921. In 1936, the school was renamed in honor of Nellie Iles, a long time Laramie school teacher. Built during the Progressive Era of the early 20th century, the Nellie Iles School in Laramie provides a unique example of Prairie and Craftsman style architecture applied to a school building. Designed by renowned architect Wilbur Hitchcock, who designed many University of Wyoming campus buildings and more than 200 residences in Laramie, the Nellie Iles School embodies the Progressive-era school-house theories of the early 20th century such as large windows for natural lighting, tall ceilings, classrooms in the basement and first floor, and an advanced heating and ventilation system. A 1939 gymnasium addition funded by the Public Works Administration allowed the school to keep pace with physical education requirements in Wyoming schools.
With its large, overhanging eaves and central front-facing dormer, Nellie Iles School looks just like an enlarged version of one of the surrounding houses.
