Merriam School - Merriam, Kansas - Former Schools on Waymarking.com

After the school at 5820 Merriam Drive had grown too small, this school was constructed in 1911. It was used until a new school for Merriam students was constructed in 1969 at 61st and Mastin. This newest school was the school I went in the sixth grade. This former school is now the Irene B. French Community Center. Irene French was a long time resident of Merriam and was mayor of Merriam for 20 years. She was also a civic leader in the area, also being the President of the American Legion Post 327 Auxiliary, among the many other organizations she belonged.

Historic Name: Merriam School

Alternate Name: Merriam Community Center

Historic Function: Education

Subcategory: School

Historic Function Remarks: Signage northeast of the school in place by the Merriam Visitors Bureau in 2001: “The original limestone building, was built in 1911. The two brick additions were added in 1938 and 1951. Merriam School housed both elementary and high school students until 1922, when the high school students began attending Shawnee Mission Rural High School. The Merriam School operated in this site until 1969. The building was the first home of the Johnson County Community College from 1969-1972. Sold to Kansas City Christian School, the building was used as their high school until 1985. In 1988, the building was sold to The City of Merriam, and renovated into the Merriam Community Center, which was dedicated to the citizens of Merriam in 1990.”

Present Function: Social

Subcategory: Civic

Residential/Commercial/Religious Style: Vernacular

Roof Form: Flat with Parapet

Stories: 2

Condition: Good

Principal Material: Stone

Architect/Designer/Builder: Unknown

Year of Construction: 1911

- Kansas Historic Resource Inventory

Located in a renovated, historic school building, the Irene B. French Community Center is a 33,000 square foot facility and the home of the majority of the Merriam Parks and Recreation programs.

The facility also provides space for the Johnson County Nutrition Program Congregate meal Site, which is also known as the Senior Citizen hot lunch program.

- City of Merriam Website

Address: 5701 Merriam Drive Merriam, KS USA 66203 Web Site: [Web Link]

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