Venetian Gothic Revival at Nichols Middle School

Many factors combine to make a middle school a great school, but for this post about Nichols Middle School in Evanston, I just want to talk about the building. Sites like http://schools.chicagotribune.com/ and greatschools.org are eager to give their ratings for schools like Nichols and characters like Greg Heffley can be your guide through the complex social dynamics of middle school. Spend a few moments here and enjoy the unique architectural style of this unique school building.

Earlier this week, I attended my 7th-grade daughters orchestra concert at Nichols. Though I’ve been to the school many times since the beginning of this school year, I am still wow-ed by the building itself. It’s construction was completed in 1929, having been designed by Evanston architect Frank Childs, who patterned much of the school building after Doge Palace in Venice. The style of the school’s exterior could be described as “Venetian Gothic Revival” and there are very few schools in the country quite like it.

The Tower at Nichols Middle School copies the Campanile at St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. The architect, Mr. Franks, and the school’s first principal, Mr. F.W. Nichols, were great admirers of Italian culture, particularly that of Venice.

Inside, my favorite part of the school is the library. The Library’s mural and fireplace, along with a cozy reading loft, make it a unique space for exploring the world by exploring books, magazines and other media.

Where else in the country can your kids attend school in a place like this?

Only in Evanston, my friends.