Praediniusgymnasium

English translation

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Description

Introduction

MUNICIPAL GYMNASIUM, named Praediniusgymnasium, completely freestanding situated on the east side of the Turfsingel on the site of the former Arsenal, built in 1880-1882 on behalf of the municipality according to the design of municipal architect J.G. van Beusekom in neo-classical style. In 1923 a third storey was added by director of municipal works Ir. J.A. Mulock Houwer, which was carefully adapted to the existing design. A large extension of later date has been added to the eastern side facade, which falls outside the protection. The building is still currently in use as a gymnasium. The building was restored in 1993 whereby the central entrance section was brought back to its original state.

Description

The monumental school building is constructed on a rectangular ground plan and comprises three storeys under flat, hidden hipped roofs, covered with black tile. The facades are entirely rendered and symmetrical in layout. The ground floor and first storey are provided with false joints. The third storey is rendered flat. The west facade on the singel side is three bays wide and symmetrical in layout. The slightly projecting central bay is flanked by straight-closed facade planes with segment-arched, eight-light windows with stucco keystones. The entrance consists of a double wooden entrance door with a high fanlight and a bluestone step of two treads. On the first storey there is a window which is closed with a rounded arch. On the second storey a loggia is incorporated in the western facade behind an aedicula structure with Ionic columns. The corners of the facades and corner risalits are provided with rendered corner pilaster strips. The storeys are separated from each other by parapets with recessed fields and profiled stucco moulding. The northern side facade is likewise symmetrical in layout and contains corner risalits of three window-bay widths. The facade is articulated in the same way as the west facade. The long south facade also comprises three storeys and contains a wide set-back section with the main entrance. This central section is flanked by corner risalits of three window-bay widths. The window and decoration scheme corresponds with the west facade. The main entrance is placed in a portico with bluestone step and contains above on the storey a row of three rounded-arch windows. On the upper storey a loggia is incorporated between the corner risalits with Ionic columns. The facades are terminated by a high cornice frieze with tooth profile and a profiled rain gutter.

Valuation

MUNICIPAL GYMNASIUM, designed in 1880-1882 according to the design of Groningen municipal architect J.G. van Beusekom in a pure neo-classical style, of general importance by virtue of its cultural-historical and architectural-historical value by virtue of the architectural quality of the design and its very careful execution in a neo-classical decoration scheme. The building also occupies an important place within the oeuvre of the architect. Moreover, the building is of importance for the social-historical history and for the history of secondary and higher education in the city of Groningen.