The original Central School was built in 1883 at a different location. Tacoma's population continued to grow, so in 1911 residents passed a $690,000 bond to build 5 new schools. The new Central School was started in late Nov 1912 & opened in Aug 1913. It was widely reported to be the among the best of its kind in the West, and possibly even the nation. The main building is four stories with the eight story tower (seen here). The original school bell that was cast in 1883 was hung in the northwest cupola. The bell was cast by J.H. Lister who owned Tacoma's first foundry. The building itself was designed by Frederick Henry Heath, who designed many of Tacoma's significant historic buildings, including 17 other schools. #TacomaWashington #pnw #Tacoma #253 #GritCity #CityOfDestiny #TacomaHistory #TacomaSchools #historicschool #historicschools #tacomahistory #GetOutAndEnjoyTacoma #WhatDidYouSeeWhileWalkingTacoma #StayStellarTacoma #StayStellar #LeeHeath @tacomatalks #centralschooltacoma #frederickhenryheath # (at Central School)