Constructed in 1924, Wilson Middle School, in southwest Cedar Rapids, was the last of four iconic junior high schools built in the city during the 1920s and was the pride of the neighborhood. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style featuring entranceways with arched doorways and decorative elements like gargoyle and spire carvings. All four junior high schools were doubled in size in 1934-35 so they could serve as six-year high schools which they did from 1935-1957. Like other schools constructed at the time these schools were built with thick walls and durable materials designed to last for generations.

While the Wilson school building remains structurally sound, the Cedar Rapids School District’s current Master Facilities Plan favors demolishing Wilson and replacing it with a new school building. Voters will decide in September 2023 whether or not to approve a bond issue which would include demolishing the school.

While some community leaders are garnering support for the bond issue and the school building’s subsequent demolition, Save CR Heritage is working to build a coalition that would educate voters about the plan and the educational, environmental and fiscal advantages of renovating and adding to the existing school.