Alternative Middle Years at James Martin School, Public middle school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Alternative Middle Years at James Martin School is a school building in Philadelphia built between 1894 and 1896, with an expansion in 1922. The stone structure has three stories with five bays across the front, rounded arches, and small circular windows set above the central sections.
The building was designed by architect Joseph W. Anschutz in the Romanesque style, popular in the late 1800s for public buildings. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, recognizing its importance as a historic site.
The school carries the name of James Martin, an Irish immigrant who received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. The building itself reflects the community's commitment to education as a foundation for neighborhood life.
The building is located in the Fishtown neighborhood and is accessible by foot from major streets. Keep in mind this is an active school facility, so visits are better arranged outside school hours to avoid disrupting classes.
The 1922 expansion was designed by architect Irwin Catharine, who created many school buildings in Philadelphia and equipped this one with modern facilities like bathrooms and cafeterias. These early additions were unusual for schools at that time.
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