| The initial architectural concept for the fourth and present CHS facility. Notice the significant difference- there is more of a gothic look (complete with spires)reminiscent of the Broad & Green Streets building than the Moderne-style architectural design that was to be the final version. Note also that the building is located at street-level at the proposed Old York Road and W. Somerville Avenue site, which was the second to last of the dozen or so sites considered at the outset of the planned relocation. Rendition submitted August 5, 1936. In 1935 Superintendent of Schools Edward C. Broome, at the request of the Board of Education, approved a plan that called for "the return of Central High School to a strictly academic curriculum, authorized construction of a new building, and established a new high school [Benjamin Franklin] in the old building for Central's non-academic students". (Labaree,90)(Photo courtesy of www.phillyhistory.org) |
