Historic school teaches again

Erin Neff

Friday, June 16, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

The new federal courthouse may be looming as downtown's most impressive skyline addition, but its smaller and historic neighbor has already opened its doors to help revitalization efforts.

The Fifth Street School on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Clark Avenue has begun offering several UNLV courses specifically designed for downtown workers.

"People need to know that the classes are there," said Paul Aizley, dean of UNLV's College of Extended Studies, announcing the program during Mayor Oscar Goodman's weekly press conference.

UNLV is offering paralegal-related courses now and plans courses in English as a second language, Nevada legal practice and legal issues in health care for nurses.

The classes, both noncredit and credit, target specific downtown workers in law offices, medical buildings and the tourist industry.

The school, with its southwest mission style architecture, was built in 1936 with a $165,000 Works Public Administration grant secured by then Nevada Sen. Key Pittman and Pat McCarran and by Rep. James Scrugham.

The building operated as the Las Vegas Grammar School from 1936 until the 1960s when it was temporarily converted to a courthouse.

Goodman said he was delighted one of downtown's older buildings was once again opening its doors to daily public use as a school.

"This is part of downtown revitalization efforts," Goodman said. "Downtown workers and residents now have the convenience of UNLV classes close to where they live or work."

In addition to UNLV classes, the old school currently houses a Metro Police substation, the Allied Arts Council and the city's Office of Business Development. The City Centre Development Corp. is requesting proposals from a company to study reuse options for the whole building.

Aizley said UNLV President Carol Harter envisioned the Fifth Street School as a downtown center about 18 months ago to fit with her goals to make the university a respected urban institution.

"I don't know of a city that has a premier urban university without a downtown presence," Aizley said.

Academic credit business management courses, recreational fitness classes and a certification credit course for teachers of bilingual students will also be offered.