Public School 157, Historic school building in Harlem, Manhattan, US.
Public School 157 at 327 St. Nicholas Avenue is a Renaissance Revival building with limestone walls, brick details, terra cotta ornaments, and a distinctive red tile roof. The exterior features detailed masonry work and resembles a series of connected row houses with dormers throughout.
The Renaissance Revival structure was completed between 1896 and 1899 based on architect C.B.J. Snyder's design, accommodating nearly 2,000 students in 45 classrooms. After closing as a school in 1975, the building was renovated in 1993 into 73 residential apartments.
The building shows how schools were designed to look like important civic structures rather than industrial factories. This approach influenced how educational buildings were created throughout the neighborhood and city.
The building is now a residential complex that can be viewed from the street to appreciate its historic exterior. It is accessible by public transportation and located in a walkable neighborhood with other points of interest nearby.
The facade appears as a collection of individual houses because the architect deliberately chose a style resembling urban residential neighborhoods. This unusual choice for a large public building made it a remarkable example of innovative school design for its era.
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