For many of us, our first creative steps were taken in the classroom. Fifth grade for me was particularly memorable with all its arts and crafts projects! However, as time has passed my appreciation for art is more diverse than cut-and paste — now I admire beauty in other forms like the architecture of certain school buildings. And especially the ones whose architect is so notable that they deserve to be remembered on a historical marker forevermore!
My curiosity sparked an exploration of five neighborhood time capsules; local old schools that remain standing today in two Nashville neighborhoods, The Nations and in Sylvan Park, although no longer used for their original purpose. My fascination with history and architecture has uncovered a wealth of stories about a few of these unique buildings!
Sylvan Park & The Nations neighborhood
Located between Charlotte Pike and West End Avenue, Sylvan Park is one of Nashville’s most popular neighborhoods. While only four miles from downtown, there are no bachelorette parties to be seen in the largely residential, quaint neighborhood. Brimming with locally-owned restaurants and shops, McCabe Park & Golf Course, and the Richland Creek Greenway — everything one may need is within walking distance.
The Nations is where everyone seems to be flocking. Nashville has been booming with transformation for some time now and this West Nashville pocket, located between Charlotte Pike and Centennial Boulevard, is leading the charge. You'll find that local charm radiates in every corner of The Nations, an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy areas of Nashville!
Sylvan Park Schools
The Cohn School
I’ve driven by The Cohn School thousands of times and really never paid attention to it until now. It’s right across the street from Richland Park which was established in 1887. The school was built in 1928 by Asmus and Clark architects and later named Cohn School in memory of the first female member of the school board, Corinne L. Cohn. Read the history here.
Cohn combines with Pearl High School
In 1968, Nashville schools achieved the historic milestone of integrating all twelve grades; The Cohn School was a part of this remarkable achievement. The school’s last year as a public high school would be in 1983. From an array of athletics and music to its own drama department and clubs, it sure looked like a fun school to attend.
“In 1983 Nashville’s federally-mandated school desegregation plan combined Pearl High School and West Nashville’s predominately white Cohn High School into the new Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive High School.” — Blackpast.org
The Cohn School today
The Cohn School is currently used as a non-traditional school for grades 9-11, a virtual school, an adult learning center and a senior day center. Honestly I’m having a hard time finding information about any of these programs.
This is such an incredibly beautiful building and my favorite of all the schools in this area. I dream of it one day reopening as a high school again.
Sylvan Park Elementary School
The art deco Sylvan Park Elementary School was built in 1936 by the same architects. Today it’s a magnet school. They refer to themselves as a “community school”.
“Every school should be a magnet school.” — Anonymous
The Nations Schools
In my own neighborhood, there are three old schools and a fourth newer elementary school. I wouldn’t say they’re great works of architecture but they deserve promoting considering they have not been demolished.
W.A. Bass School formerly West Nashville Junior High School
Recognized for its attractive and unique two-story brick structure (not so sure about this statement), W.A. Bass opened as West Nashville Junior High School in 1963 on a 10-acre farm that was the site of the Old Cockrill mansion. Five years later, the school changed its name to W.A. Bass Junior High School after William Arthur Bass, who had been the state commissioner of education as well as superintendent of the Nashville City School System.
Now the former middle school is the W.A. Bass Learning Center – three schools in one. The facility currently houses Bass Alternative Learning Center, Bass Adult High School, and Transitions at Bass.
Nashville Prep & Cockrill School
Nashville Prep, a charter school, is the only school I was not able to find its history even on the current school’s website
The Cockrill School was built in 1940. Was it a high school or junior high? I can’t tell from the historical marker. Can you? Was it a feeder school to The Cohn School?
Architecture is art
Art in the ordinary world isn’t hung on walls for only a few to enjoy. It can be the architecture of your neighborhood school, the flag pole with the American flag swaying in the breeze, the red buds and crepe myrtles lining the entrance to the school, the decorative details of the concrete facades, the art deco overhangs, and even the 1960s minimalist modern style.
Art is everywhere and can be anything even old school buildings in Nashville neighborhoods.
Dig Deeper
In the mid-1900s, Sylvan Park was served by its own streetcar line known as the Sylvan Park Dinky.
Interstate 40 was constructed in the mid 1960s and divided the two neighborhoods.
Have you ever wondered about air conditioning and its history? Look at those really big windows at The Cohn School. In the older photos the large windows were open (no air conditioning). In the newer photos the windows have air conditioning units which ruin the visual aesthetic.
Next week on Mona Lisa Nashville — a jaw-dropping entryway in Rio de Janeiro, a few classic movie recommendations and something random I discover in and around Nashville.