Mabel McDowell Elementary School (1960) is an excellent representation of the effort in Columbus to improve the quality of life through outstanding design.

The building is an early example of Modern architecture in Columbus, and an example of the contextual world of John Carl Warnecke, a leading architect of the twentieth century. The site contains five separate 1-story buildings linked by landscaped courtyards and covered walkways. Four classroom buildings flank the central hub which was designed to contain the cafeteria and administration spaces.

The CIAA collection includes architectural plans, specifications, correspondence, photographs, artistic sketches, slides, pamphlets and newspaper and magazine articles pertaining to the planning and construction of Mabel McDowell Elementary School.