Jefferson Intermediate School

Jefferson Intermediate School is a historic school building in Detroit's Midtown that spans 100,000 square feet with original features including mahogany library shelving, an auditorium, and a swimming pool. The structure was transformed in 2019 into Industry Detroit, which now provides workspace and training programs for entrepreneurs focused on hospitality and culinary arts.

The school was constructed in 1923 for 706,000 dollars and replaced an 1873 educational building that previously stood on the same Selden Street location. Development of the Lodge Freeway directly west in the 1950s eliminated the original playground area and reshaped the building's surroundings.

The building displays early school architecture with Tudor Revival elements, brick and limestone exterior, and a symmetrical three-section facade. These design choices shape how the neighborhood looks and reflect construction methods that were common for educational buildings of that time.

The building sits in the Midtown neighborhood and is easy to locate on Selden Street, where it occupies a full city block. Visitors should know that the site is now privately operated and access may be limited depending on current activities.

The indoor swimming pool was a notable amenity for a public school of its era and serves as a reminder of the generous facilities that once existed. This feature sets it apart from many other school buildings from that period.

Location: Detroit

Inception: 1923

GPS coordinates: 42.34667,-83.06861

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:57