- Item
- 1956
Part of Richards Studio Photographs
ca. 1956. This artist's rendering from 1956 shows the design for Woodrow Wilson High School by the architectural firm of Lea, Pearson & Richards. Opening in September of 1958, Wilson was Tacoma's first new high school in 44 years. It was built to serve the rapidly growing West Tacoma area. Enrollment on opening was 1400 students, less than 10 years later it was 2000, with teaching staff almost double. It is designed in a campus format with 12 separate buildings spread out over 12 acres and linked together with covered walkways. The gymnasium was added in 1959. Construction of an auditorium was delayed for 12 years due to a lack of funds and the 1.2 million dollar structure was dedicated in 1970. The school is named for the 28th United States President, former educator and founder of the League of Nations Woodrow Wilson. ("For the Record" a history of Tacoma Public Schools by Winnifred L. Olsen) TPL-9293
Woodrow Wilson High School (Tacoma);