James Mulligan Public School Building (Former)

“The (Former) James Mulligan Public School exemplifies the importance of Chicago's public schools to the City's social and cultural history. Public education has historically been one of the most important responsibilities of Chicago government, and public school buildings often are visual and social anchors in the City's neighborhoods.”

“For example, Haven School, located at 1472 S. Wabash Ave. (now demolished), was designed in a handsome Flemish Revival style. 19th-century school architecture theories Chicago grew rapidly through the late nineteenth century, and the need for new schools seemed never ending.”

“The new Chicago High School, located on W. Monroe between Halsted and Desplaines (now demolished) was a substantial building built in a modified Gothic Revival style. Chicago's student population rose to nearly 41,000 during the 1860s, reflecting the phenomenal growth of the City's population during this decade.”

“After his return to Chicago, Rudolph partnered with C. J. Furst under the firm name of Furst & Rudolph. Among other works, he is credited with the design of the first natatorium, or swimming pool pavilion, in Chicago.”

“James A. Mulligan James A. Mulligan (1829-1864), for whom Mulligan Public School was named, was one of Chicago's more prominent Civil War heroes. The choice of Mulligan for the new school's name was somewhat controversial at the time.”

“Captured by Confederate soldiers, Mulligan died two days later on July 26. Later history The Mulligan Public School remained an elementary school in the Chicago Public School system for roughly a century.”

“The building retains exterior ornamental detailing, including a gray-limestone entrance surround and projecting pressed-metal cornice. It retains most historic windows as well. Changes to the building's exterior are relatively minor and do not detract from its ability to convey its architectural and historical significance.”

“Stylistically, both Italianate and Queen Anne-style details and ornament were used during this period. Representative school buildings are (top) James Ward Public School, built in 1875 and located at 2103-09 S. Shields, and James Sexton Public School, located at 160 W. Wendell and built in 1882.”

“Third-floor windows are round-arched and are filled with multi-paned, double-hung sash. The building's main entrance, set off center on the main Sheffield facade, has a handsome gray limestone surround with foliate ornament and a tall pediment set on pilasters.”

“The building's Italianateand Queen Anne-style detailing is executed with excellent craftsmanship in traditional building materials, including red pressed brick, molded brick, yellow Joliet and gray limestone, and pressed metal.”