Preservation News

Franklin Elementary School at Yale and Eleventh Street is receiving a new addition to the old building. Franklin originally was built on the Unit School Plan, which was conceived by H.O. McClure.

The Unit School Plan was a revolutionary building pattern in 1915 when Tulsa became the first city in the nation to adopt this now popular plan. The pattern is based on one square city block. The one-story units were expanded around the block forming a square with the playground in the middle. The system worked well for an expanding city, as units could be added as needed. Civic leaders of the time believed the plan to be efficient and healthy, "eliminating the danger of contagion from basement and shared hallways and virtually fire proof." The system also eliminated stairs, which had posed a danger to children with "weak hearts."

Franklin's use as a neighborhood elementary school ended in the late 1980's. Many schools of similar vintage, including Longfellow, Kendall and Dunbar have not survived. The Franklin building now serves effectively as the Tulsa Street School. While the addition is slightly taller than the original building, its brick facade and large windows reflect the historic character of the existing structure. And, the addition follows the pattern of the 1915 Unit School Plan. H.O. McClure would be pleased to see his brainchild alive and well in the 21st century.