The building was built in a Missionary Revival/Neoclassical style. The Missionary Revival style was very popular from 1890-1915 throughout the United States. It originated from Spanish missions in California. This style is characterized by arched entryways and windows as well as arches on the roof. A good example of this can be seen in the front of Longfellow Elementary with its array of arches facing the street. The Neoclassical style is characterized by the use of round columns in entryways or walls. Longfellow Elementary’s entrance is a good example of this with its ornately capitaled columns. Inside the school is characterized by its large arched doorways and open stairwells with copious amounts of windows. The hallways are open and are now used as second rooms for recess along with arts and crafts. Although they were recently taken down in lieu of cheaper more efficient fluorescent lights, the school was lit by huge hanging 300 watt lamps.
Historic photos courtesy of Longfellow