In 1928 the new building at 1266 Poplar was completed and the school had a name change, Memphis Technical High School.  The Classic building,  was very beautiful.  Certain elements from the old Van Vleet mansion were added to the building.  At the main entrance there were four Corinthian columns, supporting a portico on the front.    Two stone lions at the east gate (They have since been moved to the entrance of the Memphis Zoo), a great stone bench from the mansion's green house, and two huge classic urns at the top of the entrance steps. 

The equipment throughout the school was the latest and most modern.  All lockers were recessed into the walls.  On the first floor were the biology, physics rooms, along with home-making and dressmaking.  And unlike most schools, the administrative offices were located on the second floor.  Also on this floor were the commercial departments, including bookkeeping and typing.  On the western side of this floor was the magnificent library room.  On the third floor eastern  side were the two splendidly arranged commercial art rooms.  On the western side was located the beautifully equipped chemical laboratory and lecture room. 

By 1936, Tech had 47 teachers and over 1400 students.  Principal Highsaw retired in 1957 and Mr. W. A. Bourne became principal.  He retired in 1975.  Tech continued to grow until the "decline of the cities" in the 70's.  With changing demographics of the inner-city, it finally closed in 1987.  The beautiful building is still in use and is now called Northwest Preparatory School - for students who have not been able to function in a regular public school environment. 

Gene Gill, who is from Memphis, graduated from Tech High School in 1951.  He has donated this miniature of the school to the Class of '51 Reunion Committee to use as a fund-raiser for their activities.