by Jason Cope
Architect: Paul H. Macneil
Location: 346 Pewabic St., Laurium
Built: 1907
The end bays of this large two-story building are pulled forward, giving added presence to this hip-roofed school building. Set on a high sandstone foundation, the building has brick walls in two contrasting colors, as well as sandstone beltcourses at the level of the sills. Most of the walls are windows, though, as every effort was made to bring natural light into the classrooms.
Paul Macneil advertised this building as his work in the summer of 1906. The 10-classroom school was the largest of the schools in Laurium, a community that was growing rapidly. The school was named for Charles Briggs, who was on the Calumet Board of Education for thirty years, 1878-1909. He was also president of the Merchants and Miners Bank for 49 years and was president of the Calumet & Arizona Mining Company for 20 years.
Buildings by Paul H. Macneil in the Copper Country
- Worcester House 1908
- Ahmeek Mine Office 1908
- Italian Hall 1908
- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Interior) 1908
- First Baptist Church 1908
- Briggs School 1907
- Jones House 1906