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Cultural Scene and Heard: Historic Fifth Street School
A Cultural Hub in the Making
By Lisha Ross
In a city with a never-ending “out with the old” attitude, it’s invigorating to come across an antique like the historic Fifth Street School. Those of us who rarely venture downtown because of traffic or lack of interest are missing out on this newly renovated cultural epicenter. With the restoration of the Fifth Street School, Clark County has succeeded in rehabilitating one of its more dated landmarks, while simultaneously creating a cultural oasis for all to enjoy. Simply driving through the school’s main gates is like traveling through a portal in time and space, beckoning visitors’ imaginations back to a time when curious young minds roamed the halls. This energy echoes off of every brick, reconstructed beam and newly created sculpture, giving the space a distinctly vibrant feel that transcends the somewhat sordid surroundings that have come to characterize central Las Vegas.
Into the Past
A complex with a rich and colorful history, the Fifth Street School’s roots go back as far as the Depression-era days of the 1930s and Las Vegas’ early population booms. With the building of the dam and legalization of gambling in 1931 came huge economic growth, and the city had a need for a larger school for the children of its 12,000 residents. Until 1966 it was known as The Las Vegas Grammar school, which served 150 to 200 students each year in grades first through eighth. In the following decades, it served as Clark County offices, until it was turned over to the Redevelopment Agency on August 4, 2004, and rehabilitation of the old school began.
Perfectly Present
Today the complex houses local arts and architectural organizations, adding to the creative vibe that permeates the grounds, in addition to hosting a diverse array of educational, fun and entertaining cultural events throughout the year. Film screenings, poetry readings, lecture series’, theatrical performances and seasonal festivals are just a few events that families can enjoy in various areas of the school. What was once the locker room is now an art gallery; where kids used to shoot hoops in the gym is now an auditorium. What is now called Centennial Plaza is home to the award-winning sculpture by Stephen Hendee (which also doubles as a marker for the city’s centennial time capsule), a re-creation of the Liberty Bell, and benches for watching the world go by.
Go for the events, stay awhile to appreciate the Spanish Mission-style architectural elements. In fact, the architecture is so impressive that it was the recipient of the highly competitive Best of 2008 Award for design excellence. With white walls, rust-colored beams, open and semi-enclosed courtyards, the simplicity of its design is deceiving, given the amount of work that went into the restoration. The entire complex was restored to what experts determined to be its original colors, 141 doors and windows were carefully re-created, and the decorative fountain in the center courtyard, backed by green and blue mosaic tile patterns, is a spitting image of the original.
Looking Forward
Though it’s been slow to get its bearings, the future is looking bright for the historic Fifth Street School. Already, numerous events have been scheduled that will surely become annual favorites, including the highly acclaimed Vegas Valley and Target Children’s Book Festivals: A Celebration of the Written, Spoken and Illustrated Word slated to run again in November 2010. Also returning in October 2010 is Oktoberfest. This family friendly outdoor festival features a beer garden, traditional games and activities, Bavarian dancing, German and Bavarian food and much more. February 20th, the Woody Woods Big Band will perform inside the auditorium, so put on your dancing shoes and prepare to jump and jive with the whole family. Summer of 2010 will usher in the Downtown Children’s Series, a summer’s worth of performing arts and cultural entertainment for children.
The gallery, a rotating exhibition of art and photography by local artists, is currently only open during special events; however, groups and individuals may call Jeanne Voltura at 229-1012 ahead of time to schedule a walk-through. Original photographs of the school in its younger years are on display a few times per year. If they’re not in the gallery, they are likely floating around the complex somewhere, and you just might be able to request a viewing–they truly are a must-see.
Since some dates are tentative, and smaller events have not been solidified yet, be sure to check out www.artslasvegas.org for schedules and additional events. Most events at the school are free and open to the public.
Whether you go there to watch a show, stroll the courtyards or take a class, you’ll get a good glimpse of what this city could be like if only we would preserve and value the most intriguing aspects of our past, and move creatively into the future.
