St. Patrick's Old Cathedral School

St. Patrick's Old Cathedral School is a substantial brick building in the Federal style located on Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets in Nolita, featuring several stories with traditional architectural details. The structure displays typical characteristics of its era including symmetrical windows, simple ornamentation, and solid proportions that distinguish it among surviving Federal-style buildings in the city.

The building opened in 1822 as a Roman Catholic orphanage serving children in need in the growing city. It was repurposed in 1886 to house a convent school that operated for over a century before closing in 2010.

The school welcomed students from diverse backgrounds and taught in English, Spanish, and Chinese throughout its operation. This multilingual character shaped daily life in the building and reflected the changing communities of the neighborhood over time.

The building sits in a walkable section of Nolita with good street visibility and easy access via public transit options in the area. Since it is a historic landmark, visitors can view the exterior and explore the neighborhood, though the interior is not always open to the public.

The building is recognized as the largest surviving example of Federal-style architecture in New York City and received landmark protection status in 1966. This designation highlights it as a rare survivor that authentically preserves the early urban character and building methods of its era.