Public School 7

Public School 7 is a three-story school building in Brooklyn built in 1882 with pressed brick walls and sandstone trim throughout. The structure shows a symmetrical design with a central section and side wings, while a rectangular two-story annex was added to the property in 1907.

The building was designed by architect James W. Naughton in 1882 and later recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It represents the educational and architectural priorities of that era when schools were significant public works.

The building shows how public schools in the late 1800s were built to serve children from all neighborhoods and backgrounds. It reflects the commitment to making education available to everyone regardless of their circumstances.

The building sits on York Street in DUMBO and currently operates as a nursing school. Visitors should keep in mind that this remains an active educational facility, so access to the building may be limited.

The building was originally designed with an I-shaped floor plan, which was an unusual approach for schools of that period. This layout allowed for efficient use of space and natural light in classrooms, reflecting what was considered modern school design at the time.