Dee Elementary opened in fall 1970 at 550 22nd Street in Ogden, Utah. It was one of three new schools that followed an experimental “open space” concept—teaching pods arranged around a circular floor plan. Each pod was named for a planet, contributing to the school’s “spaceship” reputation.

Ogden native John L. Piers (1922–1997) designed the school. After earning his degree from USC, he returned to Ogden and practiced architecture for 35 years. His landmark designs include the Weber County Library, St. Benedict’s Hospital, and Weber High School.

Over time, Dee’s open plan proved unpopular. Later faculty added bookshelves and partitions to create separate classrooms and reduce noise. The school was demolished in 2016 to make way for the New Bridge School.