Granada Gymnasium
Location: Granada
County: Prowers County
Date Constructed: 1938
Built by: WPA
Architectural Description:
This tall gymnasium is constructed of coursed dress-faced native stone on three elevations with the fourth elevation, or the north side, covered with stucco. Pilasters are found on the three stone elevations, spaced evenly and separating multiple-light windows on the front and south sides. The front and rear of the building have stepped parapets extending past the barrel roof. The north side of the building has two buttresses. The entire building has been painted white.
Historical Background:
The gymnasium was constructed as a WPA project. The first federal allocation for the gym was $21,531, and the local contribution was $17,728. The project needed an additional federal grant in order to be completed, but the local sponsor was not required to contribute as their original payment was uncommonly high. Documentation reads, “Supplement required for completion of building, an elaborate and commodious structure for which skilled labor needed has been largely lacking. Sponsors contributions have been proportionately greater than is usually the case and will be maintained as is necessary for materials.” The justification statement for the gym notes “This project is located in the dust bowl area of Southeastern Colorado. It is also that area which was flooded by the Arkansas River about a year ago. A large number of residents are on relief rolls and are greatly in need of work.” Further justification was the need for a new school building to help with over-crowding. Another high school building had been attached to the north side of the gymnasium but was demolished in perhaps the 1960s. The demolition explains the non-conforming north wall.