Historic Detroit

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Edwin S. Sherrill School - Photos

The main auditorium features a 20' high barrel-vaulted ceiling, a wide stage and a flat floor without fixed seating. There are three east-facing windows.

The long front elevation is symmetrical and anchored in the center by two entrance towers with hipped roofs.

The main auditorium features a 20' high barrel-vaulted ceiling, a wide stage and a flat floor without fixed seating. There are three east-facing windows.

The gym is a simple 40x60' brick box with 17' ceilings and large west-facing windows.

The north stairwell features arched windows and a wooden bench in the landing.

The 1930 addition included a classroom-sized mini-auditorium on the second floor, complete with a small raised stage.

The long main corridor is 14' wide and has 11-12' high ceilings. The interior finishes are mostly intact in 2022, though the locker doors have been removed by scrappers.

The gymnasium

Sherrill features three brick fireplaces, including the teacher's room shown here, the library above it, and the kindergarten.

There are 35 classrooms, with most lining the front elevation of the school. A typical classroom is 22x30' with 12' high ceilings.

The building was named for Edwin S. Sherrill (1854-1945), a physician, member of the Detroit Board of Education, and founder of the Detroit Society for Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis.

Construction of the first part of Sherrill School was begun in 1924 and completed in 1925.

2nd floor corridor as of 2022

First floor corridor

The rear elevation viewed from the north end of the school site.

Rear elevation from a distance