Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 Serving Shawnee County, KS - Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

Topeka High School, billed as the "first million dollar high school in the United States," opened at this location in 1931, having been established in various locations since 1871. It is said that construction costs exceeded $1.75 million. A three-story Gothic building of about 278,000 square feet, its many splendid features include stained glass windows, fireplaces, classroom stages, and a two-story library. The grand, Gothic-style Hoehner auditorium seats 1,875, features 10 chandeliers and a tiled ceiling. The ornate tower rises 165 feet above the main building entrance. Notable basketball coach Dean Smith was a graduate of Topeka High, where he played basketball, baseball and football. Smith played a large part in the end of separate basketball teams for white and black players at Topeka High.