There's a playground and a grade school on the block between 140th and 141st Street at Edgecombe Avenue but we wondered if the new building replaced a previously existing structure. After some research, an old photo of P.S. 5 circa 1920 surfaced. This type of grand European architecture in a public school is usually attributed to C.B.J. Snyder who designed such buildings at the turn of the century so that the poor and middle class students can be exposed to the world and be inspired as they study in the grand halls. It's unclear how long this building was in use but it definitely is a lot more architecturally interesting than most of the school buildings that are contstructed today. Archival photo courtesy of NYPL. Current photo by Ulysses.
There's a playground and a grade school on the block between 140th and 141st Street at Edgecombe Avenue but we wondered if the new building replaced a previously existing structure. After some research, an old photo of P.S. 5 circa 1920 surfaced. This type of grand European architecture in a public school is usually attributed to C.B.J. Snyder who designed such buildings at the turn of the century so that the poor and middle class students can be exposed to the world and be inspired as they study in the grand halls. It's unclear how long this building was in use but it definitely is a lot more architecturally interesting than most of the school buildings that are contstructed today. Archival photo courtesy of NYPL. Current photo by Ulysses.
What a shame. May we learn to take care and renovate our architectural treasures in Harlem. But of course, right now - one need not look far to see the same thing happening here today. Countless number of beautiful buildings neglected by owners and left to ruin and be torn down.
ReplyDelete1. Renaissance Ballroom
2. Church of Nazareth on Hamilton Terrace
3. Corn Exchange
4. Victoria Theatre
5. Countless other townhouses
These owners should be forced to sell to companies or individuals who can rehabilitate the buildings. And if the city of HPD owns any properties like this Shame on them. They need to rescue this architectural heritage.