| The school started in 1886, and was known as the Academy of Holy Names. The original architect is not clear and modifications to the original buidling were made in 1907 by Otto Kleemann. The school later became St. Francis Academy Day and Boarding School. See associated history of St. Francis Assisi Church. The school was purchased by the St. Francis parish from the Holy Names order in 1945. Not long after, a school remodelling project began. The modern detailing of the adjacent church, built in 1938, was incorporated into the exterior detailing of the school.
In 1949 alteration designs were completed by Francis B. Jacobberger per drawings on file with City of Portland. The work was carried out in the early 1950s. The Archdiocese of Portland began the major remodel of the school in 1953. The upper floor of the school was removed and half the school was demolished (Portland Building Permit Records 1953). |