Sioux City Central High School and Central Annex, high school in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa
Sioux City Central High School and Central Annex is a school building in Gothic Revival style in Sioux City, built in 1892 from pinkish Lake Superior sandstone with a central bell tower featuring crenellations and corner turrets. A north wing was added in 1912 and the building was later extended with a fourth floor, with the entire structure encompassing approximately 145,000 square feet.
The building was designed in 1892 by architect F.S. Allen of Illinois and built by builder Eric Lund of Minneapolis, serving as a school until 1972 when new schools opened in the city. After closure, the Castle on the Hill Association took over the building in 1976 and converted it into apartments beginning in 2003, while it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The building earned the nickname Castle on the Hill because of its tall central tower and castle-like features that make it a recognizable landmark in the city. Visitors can see today how the original function as a school was transformed into new purposes like housing and community gatherings while keeping its historic character intact.
The location is easy to reach on foot and sits near the Missouri River with views toward the riverfront. The building today houses apartments and several community spaces, including Julie Goodson Hall, which is open for events.
The stone walls of the 1912 north wing were deliberately smoked to make them look older and match the original structure, an unusual process for the time that shows the community's commitment to a seamless appearance. This technique helped the new section blend with the existing building despite being built 20 years later.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
