James Ward Public School

Address: 2703 S. Shields Ave. Year Built: 1874 - 1875 additions 1897 and 1924 Architect: John C. Christensen Normand S. Patton , Johnston and Edelmann Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 14, 2005

The earliest section of James Ward Public School is Chicago's oldest school building still in use as a school. It was built in 1875 and reflects the design influence of noted Chicago architect John Edelmann, whose King School (now demolished) was the prototype for a series of early school buildings. The Ward Public School is a handsome Italianate-style building with decorative lintels and cornice and was named for James Ward, an important early figure in the development of Chicago's public school system. Later additions were designed in compatible architectural styles by Chicago Board of Education architects Normand S. Patton and John C. Christensen.