Public School 71K

Public School 71K is a three-story brick structure with stone trim and a central tower topped by a mansard roof located at 119 Heyward Street. The building features symmetrical facades typical of Second Empire architectural style.

Architect James W. Naughton designed the building, which opened in 1889 during Brooklyn's rapid expansion. It received designation as a New York City Landmark in 1981 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The building now serves the Satmar Jewish community of Brooklyn as Beis Rochel School, a private institution for girls. This use shows how historical school structures have become important community spaces for different groups over time.

The building is easy to spot from the street with its central tower and distinctive brick facade near Williamsburg landmarks. Visitors can observe the architecture from the outside, though the interior remains in use as an active school.

An identical architectural twin stands at 225 Patchen Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, now serving as Excellence Charter School. This pairing reveals how school design was standardized across Brooklyn in the late 1800s.

Location: Brooklyn

Inception: 1880s

Architects: James W. Naughton

Architectural style: Second Empire style

Address: 119 Heyward Street

GPS coordinates: 40.70167,-73.95667

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23