 A number of plans were considered by the school board, among them a suggestion that a new building be erected at Nineteenth and Market Streets, or that the Garfield building, then the site of the high school, be enlarged by the addition of another story.The most practical idea, however, seemed to be the one proposed for enlarging the Patterson building at Twelfth Street to accommodate the high school pupils.Architect F. X. Reilly drew up plans to enlarge the Patterson building; Contractor Wertley was awarded the contract for $44,250 and on September 29, 1916, the new school opened with an enrollment of 500 pupils.