Kellogg High School reaches Mid-Mod March Madness championship
Kellogg High School has made it to the final round of the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office's Mid-Mod March Madness competition. Taking on the First Federal Savings building in Moscow, KHS beat out three other prominent midcentury-modern structures, such as Scotty's Drive-In in Post Falls and the Bonners Ferry American Legion Hall, to make it to the final round.
Idaho State Historic Preservation Office
Bragging rights are on the line, as Kellogg High School has made it to the final round of the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office Mid-Mod March Madness tournament.
Facing off against the First Federal Savings building in Moscow, KHS beat out some notable opponents since voting began in early March to make it to the final round.
Receiving over 500 votes throughout each round so far, notable buildings such the Bonners Ferry American Legion building, Nelson's Cafe in Burley, and Scotty's Drive-In in Post Falls just couldn't garner the support that the KHS building has.
ISHPO Compliance Architectural Historian Ashely Molloy complimented said that the two remaining finalists "are probably two of the best examples of mid-century architecture in the state..."
ISHPO explains on the voting page that in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in mid-century architecture and the style of the era across Idaho and the nation, due in part to the influence of pop culture and television shows like Mad Men, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and the Queen's Gambit.
"However, while some appreciate the clean lines of mid century-modern homes or even Grandma’s kitschy, decorated ranch house, these resources continue to be threatened due to a lack of understanding about their significance and an absence of local protections," they added.
In an effort to better identify, document, and designate these resources, ISHPO decided to spotlight this specific type of architecture in their 2nd annual bracket challenge.
Since the competition began, supporters of KHS have shared the voting pages on social media and garnered tremendous support. This has become evident since KHS leads the First Federal Savings building 536 to 37 votes, as of Mar. 28.
"We're hoping that if they win, that they are inspired to list the school on the National Register," Molloy said. "It's definitely worthy of that recognition."
According to the Society of Architectural Historians, Built in 1957, Kellogg High School is one of Idaho’s best and earliest examples of mid-century modernism.
"Here the early-twentieth-century ideals of Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, and Mies van der Rohe come to fruition through a plan that harvests an abundance of fresh air and light while ensuring grand views of the mountains and town below. The building was designed by leading educational architects Perkins and Will of Chicago, who envisioned the school as a cultural and lifelong learning center."
To vote for either choice, visit:
Voting ends April 3.
