History:

Named for Oliver Wendel Holmes, a poet, author, and teacher, the original elementary school was a two-story stone structure constructed in 1901. That building underwent several modifications, additions, and fire in 1918. Designed by John K. Dow, a famous local architect, one of the school's most famous early students was the son of Louis Davenport, owner of the Davenport Hotel. The son, who lived at the hotel with his parents, was brought to the school everyday by cab. Following a Spokane Public Schools evaluation in 1974, it was determined that the original Holmes School was inadequate. The current Holmes Elementary School was constructed to the west of the original school building (which was left standing for a time) and was dedicated on November 18, 1980. 

Architectural Description:

This Modern Shed elementary school has a standing seam metal roof, poured concrete foundation, and poured concrete walls. The front (south) façade or main entrance of the building features varied shed-roof lines and multi-level eaves. A large open play yard (where the original school constructed in 1900 was located) is to the east of the main building. The school further displays metal fixed sash windows.

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