The Neosho High School Building, located to the northwest of the Neosho Commercial Historic National Register District, was designed by the local architect Neal C. Davis in 1916 and constructed by J. B. Wagor, Neosho, in 1916-1917. Executed in elements of the Neo-Classical and the Gothic Revival styles, the Neosho High School is a two-story, brick and stone trimmed facility. Measuring approximately 101 feet by 127 feet, the Neosho High School is sited on a full block at W. McCord and N. Wood streets...
In good condition, the Neosho High School has retained the majority of its historic features to convey its significance, despite additions constructed over the years to the south facade. Its integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association has been retained...
The Neosho High School served the school district from 1917 to 1995 for a total of 78 years, the longest of any building in the district's history. It remains the oldest extant public school in Neosho. It also played an important role in the development of residential neighborhoods in the surrounding area and doubled as a community center. In its final year [as a high school, 1954], the old school was the scene of a local historic event when two African American students enrolled at Neosho High School, breaking Neosho's racial barrier. It was in this last year of the building's use as a high school that it was open to African American students. Designed by local architect Neal C. Davis, the Neosho High School is not only a representative example of Davis's work, but marks the city's decision to build a safe, modern facility for the student population.
After the high school was moved to a new location in 1954 the building became the Junior High School, later called the Intermediate School. The building served in this role until 1995. It sat vacant for many years until being renovated and converted to senior living apartments beginning in 2002.