Madison's Art Moderne jewel: The former Washington Elementary School

Now the Ruth Bachhuber Doyle Administration Building of the Madison Metropolitan School District, located at 545 West Dayton Street, just east of the Kohl Center.

Photos by Retiring Guy

The use of curved corners is the most recognizable element of the Art Moderne style of architecture.

Madison School District facilities plan recommends selling Downtown administrative building.  (Wisconsin State Jounral, 7/1/2019)

“The Doyle building is so old that attempting to repair or refurbish it would be less cost effective than moving to a new location,” the plan says. “It is time to begin the process to move from the Doyle building to a different location.” 

According to the plan, initial interest suggests the property could be worth between $5 million and $15 million. Because the building is tax-exempt, the city of Madison does not assess its value.

Cornerstone and horizontal design elements