Using then modern technology, the architect increased the window size by using a steel frame designed to bear the weight of the building.

East Division was a typical early 20th century high school with a mostly Caucasian student population.

Riverside then received a renovation and a three-story addition that added a third gym and a full cafeteria to the rear of the building, turning the U shape of the school into a square on all but the fourth floor.

Riverside celebrated its centennial in 1968, "one hundred years ... since it opened its doors on Jefferson St."[2] Academic departments at the time of the centennial were English, Mathematics, Physical Science (general science, biology, chemistry, physics), Social Science (geography, sociology, economics, history), Foreign Language (French, Latin, Spanish, German), Business Education (typing, shorthand, business law, salesmanship, data processing), Industrial Arts (mechanical drawing, metalwork, machinery), Home Economics, Music, Art, and Physical Education.

[6] Boys' sports were (in the fall) football, cross country; (winter) basketball, swimming, gymnastics, wrestling; (spring) tennis, golf, baseball, and track.

The windows leaked water and snow, and the building's heating system was unable to keep the staff and students warm.

In 1978[3] a new building was added next to Riverside that included a six-lane 25-yard pool, a gym larger than both the original gyms combined, two auto shops, a foundry room, two metal shops, a drivers' education room, a fitness center, and more general classroom space.

The new addition created several dead spaces rarely seen, including the old gym seating behind a wall on the first floor near the rear hallway, and the staircases.

(2008–2010)[citation needed] In 1997 the single sheet "Tiger Times" was revamped as a full sized school paper, "Word on the River."

Despite these efforts, the phone policy was not overturned[citation needed] Riverside has won sixteen Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association state championships in boys' cross country (1913–20, 1923–28, 1933, 1935–36), claiming the inaugural meet in 1913 as well as the most in state history.