Old Central High School
A magnificent 1890s Richardsonian landmark, once a high school, now apartments, featuring an iconic clock tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for architecture
Old Central High School
Best Time
Best light for architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 1890s Richardsonian landmark, once a high school, now apartments, featuring an iconic clock tower.
"Amazing architecture from the 1800's being renovated. And to think it was a high school!"
📸 Architectural Photography
Capture the stunning Richardsonian style and the iconic clock tower. Best light is during the day.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Walk to Lake Superior, Canal Park, and the shoreline. Great for nightlife too!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Clock Tower
Exterior
A majestic 230-foot clock tower, reminiscent of London's Big Ben, stands as a proud landmark.
Richardsonian Architecture
Exterior
Admire the stunning 1890s Richardsonian-style architecture, built with locally sourced sandstone.
Historic Interior Features
Interior (The Zenith Apartments)
Discover preserved historic features within the renovated apartment complex, offering a glimpse into the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Apartment Living Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Architectural Photography
Capture the stunning Richardsonian style and the iconic clock tower. Best light is during the day.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Walk to Lake Superior, Canal Park, and the shoreline. Great for nightlife too!
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be pricey, with some residents noting $100/month for parking.
🎶 School Spirit Echoes
Imagine the vibrant school days, from marching bands to graduations. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Architectural Photography
Capture the stunning Richardsonian style and the iconic clock tower. Best light is during the day.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Walk to Lake Superior, Canal Park, and the shoreline. Great for nightlife too!
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be pricey, with some residents noting $100/month for parking.
🎶 School Spirit Echoes
Imagine the vibrant school days, from marching bands to graduations. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Central High School's magnificent Richardsonian architecture and its iconic clock tower, noting its historical significance. The building's transformation into apartments is seen as a positive adaptive reuse, preserving a key Duluth landmark. Some mention the eerie feeling around the boarded-up main entrance.
"Charming old Richardsonian style 1890's bld. This was once a prominent High School in Duluth, Minnesota. It was used for office space for decades, now being transformed into apartments with social rooms, game areas, recreational options. It's a magnificent building near the downtown with access to restaurants, movies, Irish pubs, music venues, casino, etc. This should be a fun place to live for anyone that enjoys night life. It's on the bus like as well & walking distance to Lake Superior: Canal Park, beach, shoreline, Lake Walk."
Jolane Sundstrom
"Best 2 yr of my life. Graduated 1959. My Dad was skipper of the USCG Cutter Woodrush. I would love to live in one of the new apts, but I'm settled in Phoenix."
Sue Winstein Florman
"Amazing architecture from the 1800’s being renovated. And to think it was a high school!"
R Farmland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Central High School, now The Zenith Apartments, is located at 215 N. 1st Avenue E. in Duluth, Minnesota. It's conveniently situated near downtown and is on a bus line, making it accessible via public transport.
Yes, the building is within walking distance to Lake Superior, Canal Park, the beach, and the shoreline, offering a pleasant stroll to these attractions.
Parking is available, but it can be a significant cost. Some residents have noted monthly parking fees around $100.
Access to the interior of The Zenith Apartments, the converted Old Central High School, is generally limited to residents and their guests. However, the exterior architecture is visible and impressive from the outside.
For exterior photos, walking around the front offers views of the gargoyles and the impressive facade. The clock tower is a prominent feature visible from various points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As Old Central High School is now primarily The Zenith Apartments, there are no tickets required for general public visitation. You can admire the exterior architecture freely.
The exterior of the building can be viewed at any time. However, for the best photographic opportunities, daytime is recommended.
No, there is no admission fee to view the exterior of Old Central High School. Its historical significance is accessible to all.
Tours of the interior are typically reserved for potential residents or guests of current residents. The building is a private apartment complex.
Information about living in the converted Old Central High School, now The Zenith Apartments, can be found through their official leasing channels or by checking community forums for resident feedback.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Old Central High School was built in 1892, making it a significant historical landmark from the late 19th century.
The building is a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, known for its massive stone construction and distinctive detailing.
The 230-foot clock tower is a prominent feature, often compared to London's Big Ben, and is a key element of the building's iconic silhouette.
Classroom instruction at Old Central High School ceased in 1972, and the building was used for office space for decades before its renovation.
Yes, Old Central High School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical and architectural importance.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, especially the clock tower and the detailed sandstone facade, offers excellent photographic opportunities. The surrounding area also provides good vantage points.
Daytime offers the best natural light to capture the details of the clock tower and the building's architecture. Golden hour can also provide beautiful lighting.
Look for the gargoyles at the main entrance, which add an eerie and historic touch to the building's facade.
Interior photography is generally restricted to residents and their guests. However, some social media content showcases glimpses of the renovated spaces.
Try searching for 'Old Central High School Duluth,' 'The Zenith Apartments Duluth,' 'Duluth clock tower,' and 'historic Duluth architecture.' 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the nearby Canal Park and Lake Superior shoreline for family-friendly activities after admiring the building's facade. For those interested in the school's history, discussing the transition from a place of learning to modern apartments can be an engaging conversation. While interior access is limited, the sheer scale and historical significance of the building make it a noteworthy sight for any family exploring Duluth.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Learn about its transition from a prominent high school to office space and now to The Zenith Apartments. This adaptive reuse showcases how historic structures can be preserved and given new life.
The building's proximity to other historic downtown areas and the waterfront further enhances its appeal for exploration. 🌃 Nightlife & Urban Explorers
While direct access to the interior is limited, the exterior's imposing presence and the surrounding lively atmosphere make it an interesting point of reference for urban explorers. Consider it a landmark to appreciate before heading out to explore the nearby entertainment options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Learning: From High School to Apartments
+1 It was a prominent landmark, deeply ingrained in the community's history. The school ceased classroom instruction in 1972 and later transitioned into office space. More recently, the building has undergone a significant transformation into The Zenith Apartments, a modern residential complex that honors its historical roots. This renovation aimed to preserve the building's iconic features, including its striking 230-foot clock tower, while providing contemporary living spaces.
+1This adaptive reuse project highlights a growing trend of revitalizing historic buildings. By converting the Old Central High School into apartments, the city not only retains a piece of its architectural heritage but also breathes new life into a significant landmark. Residents can now experience living within a piece of history, enjoying the grandeur of the past combined with modern amenities.
Architectural Grandeur: The Richardsonian Style
Key features of this style visible at Old Central High School include rounded arches, large, imposing windows, and decorative elements like gargoyles at the main entrance, which add a touch of the dramatic and even eerie. The prominent clock tower, soaring 230 feet, is a defining element, drawing comparisons to the iconic Big Ben in London and serving as a visual anchor for the city.
This architectural approach was favored for public buildings in the late 19th century due to its sense of dignity and permanence. The Old Central High School's design not only made it a functional educational institution but also a work of art, a testament to the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of its era. Its preservation and renovation ensure that this architectural gem continues to be appreciated for generations to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit