Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 175, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 December 1928 — Page 15

DEC. 12,1928_

BUILDING PLAN AT SHORTRIDGE STIRSINTEREST Unique Construction Idea Likely to Be Adopted Nationally. . Limitations brought about by the restricted area of the new Shortridge high school building site; state laws barring schools more than three stories in height; as well as numerous other contributing factors.e presented a problem considerably out of the ordinary to the architects, J. Edwin Kopf and Deery, when they underto )k the planning of this newest and largest city high school. Customary plan for large school buildings in the United States heretofore had been to locate the main entrance feature facade in the center of the longitudinal elevation, with the student and secondary entrances placed in the end elevations. The school administration department, auditorium, gymnasiu-us, and cafeteria in this stereotyped plan then would be grouped about and extend back from this central feature entrance. Session rooms, study halls, labora • tcries and other school rooms were in the wings at either side of the central group. Schools embodying this general plan are encountered in every city of any considerable size, from coast tef coast. A different plan was evolved by the architects of the new Shortridge buildings—a plan that for simplicity and directness of communication, as well as for logical placing of departments, and the proper relation of the whole group to the several street approaches, is indeed a wide departure from those accepted standards of school house planning heretofore in vogue. It has been said that the city’s latest high school plant will become known nationally as “the Shortridge plan.” That the new Shortridge buildings are adapted eminently to their varied and special uses has nearly become apparent to all observers. On the morning school was begun in the structure, George Buck, principal, allotted thirty minutes for the pupils to become acquainted with the plant and to “orient” themselves, as he said—after which the regular routine of the classes was

Washed Sand and Gravel for All Purposes Sand Furnished for Children John Jones & Sons Motor Truck Delivery to All Parts of City and Country Established 1870 / “WATCH THE KIDDIES"

EXCAVATING For the New Shortridge High School -ByED LEWIS 556 Fletcher Avenue

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE. STEEL FILING COUNTERS BY DjiciNEssi^rijUßFm EAST* Imm INDIANAPOLIS (MARYLAND ST** * fl • INDIANA*

I We are glad to have taken . part in the building of the new Shortridge High School

Santa Rossa Mosaic & Tile Cos. 881 Mass. Ave. RI. 2817.

Electrical Equipment in the New Shortridge High School Furnished by KELVINATOR Office, 216 Indiana Terminal Warehouse Salesroom, 122 Monument Circle

Interior of New Caleb Mills Hall

Ym.V.iTi HM —— *~| t r^n ’ >% ‘ - { % 'i*# J t }- ' -

begun and the school functioned without any perceptable confusion. Classical beauty and dignity of the main facade fronting Meridian street has become apparent since the high board fence was removed about two months ago and the work of landscaping, not yet completed, was begun. But it must be remembered that the main entrance, while customarily used by visitors, officials and faculty members, seldom is to be entered by the students, for four separate student entrances have been provided for them on the south and north sides of the building, directly accessible to corridors. Another important contributing factor to the evolution of the “Shortridge plan” was the need of incorporating into the buildings the two full size gymnasiums with their individual locker rooms and other appointments, and also Caleb Mills hall, seating 1,700 persons and with complete theater stage facilities. The advantage of “The Shortridge Plan” is here particularly apparent, as Caleb Mills hall may be entered independently from Thirty-fourth street at Pennsylvania street and that the double gymnasium, ready

for match games, is provided with two separate public entrances from Pennsylvania street. Os course, both Caleb Mills hall and the gymnasium also are accessible from the school proper, although the plan is such that these units may be entirely isolated when desired. Essence of the idea back of “The Shortridge plan” is better understood when it realized that this plan consists of three buildings joined together, all individual units complete within themselves. That the Shortridge faculty and student body

Lighting Fixtures Furnished by Porter -Glore & Glass, Inc. Contracting Electrical Engineers Ornamental Bronze Mfg. Cos., Ltd., Lancaster, Ohio Art Metal Cos., Cleveland, Ohio Consolidated Lamp and Glass Cos., Coraopolis, Penn. —A, Above Companies Represented by The Fred E. Chambers Cos.

Grading—Sodding Cement Brickwork Sunken Garden by Schwert Brothers Office - - 350 W. 30th St, Phone-Tal. 2943

• -• •• • <. v ‘'S'. *. '* • ' ' *wy-r+*'

Top Light and Ventilation Mean Health in Indianapolis The students In the new Shortridge High School at Indianapolis, Ind., haye a beautiful, up-to-date, and healthful school. The plan of beauty, utility, and healthfulness was carried on throughout the building. Os course when they came to the question of proper shatMng, Draper Adjustable Shades were selected. Draper shades can be adjusted to properly diffuse the sun’s direct rays while allowing top light, the valuable, to enter. They also permit proper ventilation without the constant flapping of shade against window. Examine the shades at Shortridge High School and write us regarding your shade needs. Luther 0. Draper Shade Cos. Spiceland - Indiana

THE INDIAjNAi'OLiS TIMES

already have come to a full understanding of this plan is evident when they refer to their new home as “new Shortridge high school buildings.” Kills 15-Pound “Possum” By United Prenn WASHINGTON, Ind., Dec. 12. An opossum pelt, 36 inches long and 15 inches wide is being exhibited by Mose Gootee here as proof that he has captured the biggest “possum” in this vicinity. He said the animal weighed 15 pounds.

DRAPER SHADES ARE USED AT SHORTRIDGE Product Passes Exciting Tests and Wins Centennial Medal. D—per adjustable window shades, pre ct of the Luther O. Draper Shade company, Spiceland, Ind., is the standard equipment in modern schools, being used at Shortridge. These shades were given the Gold Medal award at the Brazilian Centennial exposition for greater utility and endurance in school, hospital, office or workroom of every kind, where there is need for best light. This can be procured only by use of a shade that can be regulated as readily from the top of the window as from the bottom. Better benefits from ventilation can be obtained with a shade that can be adjusted to correspond to the ventilating area of the open window. In addition to greater efficiency of use, Draper adjustable shades are more economical because of greater strength from “Dratex” quality cotton duck fabric, which is so smoothly and closely constructed that it requires no filler of paint to give suitable finish or appearance, say company officials.

con gratulatiOqrtridge HIGH SCHOOL AKRON SURGICAL 220 MASS. AYE. PHONE LI. 1122 m .

J. Edwin Kopf - John A. Deery. J. EDWIN KOPF & DEERY Architects and Engineers Indianapolis

SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

Architects & Engineers for the New Shortridge High School

H. R. BLAGG Construction Company DAYTON, OHIO General Building Contractors / for SHORTRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

PAGE 15