The kindergarten features a shallow bay window that extend into the central courtyard. This space also has direct access to the courtyard play area.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The play room/gymnasium anchors the southeast corner. It is surrounded by tall windows and was brightly lit even with its windows covered in plywood.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
This image highlights the extensive use of rounded glazed block throughout the building.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Oakman's west elevation viewed from the northwest corner. The nearest visible entrance on the left leads to the auditorium. One of the four primary school entrances is visible in the center of the building, marked by a stone portico.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
There are four main entrances in the center of each elevation, the primary entrance is to the south. Each of the large corner spaces and exterior classrooms also has their own entrances.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Oakman had exterior terraces on the south, east, and west sides. Classrooms around the outside of the building once had access to these terraces, but the doors are now gone.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Oakman features a unique corner-anchor arrangement of its common areas. The school features separate playroom/gym, auditorium, cafeteria, and "cot room" each located in the corner of the building, and each with exterior access.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The inner courtyard viewed from a small roof deck. The courtyard is accessible from classroom on all four sides.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The courtyard play area in August 2023
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A picture of the corridor in August 2023
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Corridor with access to the central courtyard
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Typical classroom
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Administration office area in August 2023
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Administration office area in August 2023
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Administration office area in August 2023
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Library in August 2023
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Detail shot from inside the gym
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Another view at the gym
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Main interior facing classrooms have individual access to courtyard.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The interior features terrazzo flooring and extensive use of glazed block on walls.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Ornamental detail near the cornice of all four corners of the building
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Brick exterior with stone details and large stone porticoes over primary entrances.
Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org