Lee Bey: The Urban Observer

(photos by Lee Bey) 

The Urban Observer has a case of Midcentury Fever as of late. Please forgive.  

This is Beethoven School, near 47th and State. Built in 1961 for $1.1 million, the elementary school was designed wiith 42 classrooms (each a corner room), a lunchroom, library and other amenities. The school is composed of three classroom towers connected by enclosed walkways. When Beethoven was built, each tower was designed to function independently, each with its own administrative unit.

The school is well-maintained after nearly a half-century. The original color scheme has been preserved as have the glass-walled hallways that connect the classroom towers.