Old Roycemore School building

The Old Roycemore School building is a two-story educational structure that displays the hallmark horizontal lines, natural materials, and expansive windows of Prairie School architecture. The original exterior remains intact, showcasing the design principles that defined early 20th-century American architectural innovation.

The structure was built in 1915 to serve as a school and operated for nearly a century before the institution moved away in 2012. Following the school's departure, the building came under Northwestern University's stewardship.

The building reflects how educators once thought architecture could improve learning through its open layouts and abundant windows that fill classrooms with daylight. This design philosophy shaped how people viewed the relationship between space and education in the early 1900s.

The building sits on Lincoln Street in Evanston and is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive architectural features that stand out from surrounding structures. Keep in mind that interior access may be limited since Northwestern University is currently evaluating how to use the space moving forward.

The structure was designed by Lawrence Buck and stands as one of only two educational buildings in the Midwest influenced by early modern English architectural ideas. This rare blend of European design thinking with American school architecture makes it a notable example of how international architectural movements shaped American buildings.

Location: Evanston

Inception: 1915

Architects: Lawrence Buck

Architectural style: Prairie School architecture

Floors above the ground: 2

Part of: Northwestern University

Address: 640 Lincoln Street, Evanston, Illinois, 60208

GPS coordinates: 42.06140,-87.67890

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46