School 13, Historic educational building in Buffalo, New York.
School 13 is a three-story structure built with steel frame construction featuring brick and terra cotta detailing in the Beaux-Arts style along Oak Street. Inside, it contains classrooms, administrative areas, a gymnasium, swimming pool, and a two-story auditorium designed for student programs.
Built in 1915, this building served the community for nearly 90 years first as Boys Vocational High School and later as Buffalo Alternative High School. Its long history reflects how vocational education and alternative learning developed across the city.
For decades, this was a place where students gathered to develop practical skills and trades alongside their studies. The gymnasium and swimming pool served as community gathering spaces, reflecting how schools once supported the whole student.
The building sits on Oak Street downtown, making it easy to find and view its architectural details from the street. Keep in mind this is a preserved historic structure, so some areas may have restricted access or limited visiting opportunities.
Architect George J. Metzger managed to fit all school facilities onto less than one acre of land, making remarkable use of every bit of urban space. This compact design approach allowed the building to function as a complete educational campus despite its tight footprint.
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