McKinley Elementary School

McKinley Elementary School is a two-story school building with an orange brick exterior, limestone foundations, and Art Deco design elements throughout. The structure consists of three main sections with a central auditorium positioned between two wings, each containing eight classroom bays.

The building was designed by Detroit architect Carl R. Jensen in 1940 and replaced the original Third Ward school that had served the community since 1872. This replacement marked a significant shift in the city's educational infrastructure.

The interior hallways feature inlaid medallions created by local artists Fred Frostic and Gwen Frostic within the terrazzo floors. These embedded artworks are visible as you walk through the building and represent the work of regional artists.

The building can be viewed from the exterior to observe its brick architecture and Art Deco details. The best time to visit is during daytime hours when the facade and architectural features are clearly visible.

The kindergarten classroom features a fireplace decorated with detailed illustrations of nursery rhyme characters and various animal figures. This playful decoration creates a welcoming environment specifically for young students.

Location: Wyandotte

GPS coordinates: 42.19611,-83.15861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40