Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Washington Grade and Orthopedic School

John Flad, Architect

— 1939 —

Washington Grade and Orthopedic School Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman

1. Washington Grade and Orthopedic School Marker

Inscription. The Washington School is significant as a Public Works Administration-funded school in the Art Moderne style by architect John Flad. Constructed of red brick with cast stone banding, the building has unornamented wall planes, curved corners and horizontal design elements, features which define the Art Moderne style. The building is significant for embodying progressive educational ideals and included a gymnasium, library, and science, art and music rooms. The orthopedic wing of the school served physically handicapped children and provided physical therapy treatment rooms.

Designated March 30, 1999

Erected 2012 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 140.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 30, 2008.

Location. 43° 4.242′ N, 89° 23.661′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of West Dayton Street and North Bedford Street, on the right when traveling east on West Dayton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 545 West Dayton Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wiedenbeck-Dobelin Warehouse (about 600 feet

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away, measured in a direct line); Milwaukee Road Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grimm Book Bindery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Luther Memorial Chapel (approx. ¼ mile away); James Doris Farmhouse (approx. ¼ mile away); James and Bridget Casserly House (approx. ¼ mile away); Derrick C. Bush House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Spirit of Greenbush (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Washington Grade and Orthopedic School. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "This building was funded by the federal Public Works Administration during the Great Depression, and is a significant example of the Art Moderne style applied to an academic building. Rounded corners, concrete banding at the sill line, and a concrete water table produce the streamlined effect. Decorative metal window grilles with stylized chevrons and feather-like verticals complete the Art-Moderne design. This school replaced three older, smaller schools in the area, and specialized in serving children with disabilities, especially children who had been stricken