Located in the Greater Ville, Cote Brilliante Elementary is not actually on the street of the same name, which is further to the south. It is poorly spelled French for “shining hill,” and was the name for the tracts of land and the additions nearby due to a Native American mound located in the area. The school is located at the corner of Marcus, Cora and Kennerly.
It is an interesting school, with some reflections of the Colonial Revival, but also some Tudor Revival at the same time. The school is closed, and the front doors are covered in plywood.
As typical with a William B. Ittner school built in 1904, the front portal is the star (and I suspect there was a window originally in that blank white space below), and the ornament simplifies further away from the center of the building.
This was my first school. I attended kindergarten here perhaps 1st and 2nd grade. That was in 1958. It was a beautiful school then and still is.
Thanks for sharing! Did you live nearby?
Simmons School is embedded in my heart. My first school Kindergarten. I cried when my Mother left me I ran home when the Bell rang ( afraid)’as we lined up in the yard . Such precious sweet memories… I am in my twilight years now !! We walked to school in all types of weather. I love you Simmons School!!
Cote Brilliant was the first school to teach me I attended this school from K-5th so many memories just seeing the boards on the doors bring tears from my Eye’s so much fun,love,yet respect for one another back then not much fear,etc it was like a home away from home 🏡