These schools are rich in original architectural details, but the interiors are top residential
Thursday, September 5 marks the first day of school in New York City. Between unique to New York concerns – a proposed phone ban, the expansion of Open Streets to more than 70 schools, and public school students receiving OMNY cards as opposed to Metrocards for the first time – as well as universal concerns like which teacher one got and friends going to different schools, back-to-school season has been on students’ and parents’ mind for weeks.
However, some developers and designers have school on their mind all year long. In April 2023, developer Rockrose bought the five-building St. Francis College campus in Brooklyn Heights for $160 million. More recently, Rockrose and designer of record SLCE Architects presented their plans for 176 Remsen Street, one of the buildings on the campus and an individual landmark, to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in July 2024. The requests for a rooftop addition and other modifications are consistent with bringing the building to residential standards – e.g., creating new window openings and demolishing portions of the rear facade to let in more light and air.
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The presentation details use of historically sensitive materials and cites similar examples throughout New York, and the application was approved. Details are not yet available about the residences or amenities, but 176 Remsen Street, like the rest of the campus is in a prime location between Brooklyn Bridge Park and Cadman Plaza Park, down the street from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, close to popular restaurants and retail, and near the R, 2/3, 4/5, and A/C/F trains.
“This sale allows us to continue to focus on the future success and growth of the College Driven by Dreams” – Tim Cecere, President, St. Francis College
St. Francis College sold its Brooklyn Heights campus amidst a move to a new, state-of-the-art, custom-built campus in Downtown Brooklyn. The sale was not uncommon: In a move similar to churches, schools have seen success selling their real estate holdings in what are now hot New York City neighborhoods to developers to fund moves, renovations, or other projects.
Sometimes the older buildings are in such disrepair that the developer has no choice but to demolish them. But in highly successful cases, the buildings are prime candidates for adaptive reuse. The exteriors are restored to their original glory while original interior details like high ceilings, arches, and exposed brick are kept intact as high-end finishes and state-of-the-art infrastructure are incorporated.
As the following transformations of city schools into luxurious residences show, the combination is a highly appealing one. Between in-demand addresses, eye-catching architecture, top-of-the-line interiors, and rich histories, availabilities are few and far between.
Built in 1886 | Converted in 1981
1 availability for $2,999,900
1 availability for $2,999,900
29 King Street (CORE Group Marketing)
New development is going up all over Hudson Square, but this Queen Anne-style building dates back to 1886, when it was built as a grammar school. Nearly 100 years later, the New York City Board of Education auctioned off Public School 8 and The Brodsky Organization bought it. In the present day, apartments show signs of their classroom pasts with soaring ceilings and oversized picture windows. They come outfitted with modern appliances, LED lighting, and generous closet space, but not at the expense of historic elements like exposed brick and oak floors.
29 King Street, #3I (Realty De Tilly NY LLC)
34 Prince Street
Built in 1835 | Converted in 2018
No current availabilities
Built in 1835 | Converted in 2018
No current availabilities
Residences at Prince (CityRealty)
On what is now one of Nolita's trendiest shopping streets, two red brick Federal-style buildings dating back to before the Civil War served as the convent of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Cathedral School, where Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese was reportedly a student. The school closed in 2010; a few years later, an exclusive boutique condominium opened with airy interiors to contrast with the beautifully preserved facade.
448 West 37th Street
Built in 1914 | Converted in 1982
2 availabilities from $1,150,000
Built in 1914 | Converted in 1982
2 availabilities from $1,150,000
The Glass Farmhouse (Compass)
A few short blocks from Hudson Yards, the High Line, and Hudson River Park, this brick and limestone school building was converted to condominiums with 12' ceilings, light-filled living space, and open skyline views. Industrial details are also on display in the lobby, and the building is crowned with a landscaped roof deck.
The Glass Farmhouse, #10B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
520 West 45th Street
Built in 1905 | Converted in 2016
No current availabilities
Inkwell (Compass)
When P.S. 51 was originally built at the beginning of the 20th century, it was said to be one of the first New York City schools to serve its students lunch. More than a century later, the Beaux Arts building would be another trend-setter as it got converted from a school to a condominium. A number of features were incorporated into the apartments in the process: Chalkboards have been placed next to the entrance and can be used as grocery lists, cubbies are ideal for storage, and certain units feature rolling ladders for storage.
310 East 46th Street
Built in 1929 | Converted in 1979
7 availabilities from $575,000
Built in 1929 | Converted in 1979
7 availabilities from $575,000
Turtle Bay Towers (Compass)
Turtle Bay Towers dates back to 1929, when it was built as a design school. When it was converted to residential use, the careful restoration and conversion was honored with the First Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects. A 24-hour doorman and live-in superintendent are on staff, and amenities include a renovated lobby, storage for rent, a bike room, a parking garage, and a rooftop terrace.
Turtle Bay Towers, #19S (Compass)
351 East 51st Street
Built in 1893 | Converted in 2000
4 availabilities from $1,650,000
The Beekman Regent (The Corcoran Group)
The Beekman Regent, originally Primary School No. 35, is listed on the National Register of Historic Place and was the 2002 winner of the Mercedes Benz Property Award for "Finest New Redevelopment in the World." One look at its many setbacks and design reminiscent of The Dakota is enough to show how it won.
Most recently, a 26-unit sponsor package of two- to four-bedroom units was unveiled. This package consists of some of the building's largest and grandest residences, including townhouse and penthouse units. Select homes have private outdoor space, and all feature high ceilings, top-of-the-line finishes, and access to the building's acclaimed services and amenities.
Most recently, a 26-unit sponsor package of two- to four-bedroom units was unveiled. This package consists of some of the building's largest and grandest residences, including townhouse and penthouse units. Select homes have private outdoor space, and all feature high ceilings, top-of-the-line finishes, and access to the building's acclaimed services and amenities.
The Beekman Regent, #LOFT5C
$4,975,000
Turtle Bay/United Nations | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,211 ft2
The Beekman Regent, #LOFT5C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Built in 1915 | Converted in 2019
1 availability for $7,925,000
378 West End Avenue (Compass)
In the heart of the West End-Collegiate Historic District, a Schwartz & Gross-designed building housing the Collegiate School (which has since relocated to Waterline Square) was combined with a new 18-story tower. The result is 378 West End Avenue, a new condominium with a historically sensitive design and health-conscious features like advanced air and water filtration, copper alloy door handles in all common spaces, and touchless entrance to residences. This combination, not to mention the building's luxurious interiors and well-thought amenity package, has proven extremely popular among luxury buyers: 378 West End Avenue is 98% sold.
378 West End Avenue, #7A
$7,925,000
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 2,888 ft2
378 West End Avenue, #7A (Alchemy Properties Inc)
Built in 1908 | Converted in 2018
4 availabilities from $7,495,000
555 West End Avenue (Rendering credit of Hayes Davidson)
Ever since this Upper West Side Catholic school was built at the beginning of the 20th century, residents and visitors have marveled at the carved stone façade elements, parapets, filigreed windows, limestone window bays, and turrets among the eye-catching details of the English collegiate and Gothic style design of William A. Boring's design. Contemporary architecture luminary Cary Tamarkin restored these elements while adding a discreet penthouse and making minor alterations, all with the blessing of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
555 West End Avenue, #Thelibrary
$9,900,000
Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 3,463 ft2
555 West End Avenue, #Thelibrary (Sothebys International Realty)
309 East 108th Street
Built in 1889 | Converted in 1987
2 availabilities from $1,000,000
Built in 1889 | Converted in 1987
2 availabilities from $1,000,000
Magnolia Mansion (Sotheby's International Realty)
Nearly 100 years after it was built as a school, the building at 309 East 108th Street was converted to The Magnolia Mansion Lofts, a condominium with a full-time superintendent, modern infrastructure, and common outdoor space. However, original features like a grand entry and statement columns have been beautifully restored.
Magnolia Mansion Lofts, #4B
$1,100,000 (-9.5%)
East Harlem | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,600 ft2
Magnolia Mansion Lofts, #4B (Corcoran Group)
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220 West 148th Street
Built in 1905 | Converted in 2009
1 availability for $645,000
Built in 1905 | Converted in 2009
1 availability for $645,000
PS90 (Compass)
Originally a public elementary school, PS90 graduated to a highly desirable doorman condominium. Its elaborately ornamented terra cotta and limestone exterior was carefully restored to its original detail, but the interiors had to be torn out and replaced. Nevertheless, the school's grand proportions can be seen in spacious rooms, high ceilings, and oversized windows. In 2011, it received a Lucy G. Moses Award, also known as "the Oscars of preservation."
96 Schermerhorn Street Street
Built in 1928 | Converted in 1981
1 availability for $1,075,000
Built in 1928 | Converted in 1981
1 availability for $1,075,000
Boerum Court (CityRealty)
96 Schermerhorn Street was built in 1928 as the main building of St. John's University's Brooklyn campus. St. John's Law School took over the space in 1965, when the undergraduate division moved to Queens, and a developer bought the building in the early 1980s.
The apartments in the residential conversion are rich in original details like soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and concrete floors. Amenities include an attended lobby and common roof deck, but the greatest perk may be its central address at the nexus of Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, and Cobble Hill, four of the borough's most desirable neighborhoods.
The apartments in the residential conversion are rich in original details like soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and concrete floors. Amenities include an attended lobby and common roof deck, but the greatest perk may be its central address at the nexus of Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, and Cobble Hill, four of the borough's most desirable neighborhoods.
Boerum Court, #8C (Corcoran Group)
788 Willoughby Avenue
Built in 1870 | Converted in 2024
Coming soon
The Hartby (Woods Bagot)
More than 150 years after renowned architect Patrick Keely constructed 788 Willoughby Avenue as part of St. John's College campus, the Romanesque Revival building has been converted to a 205-unit rental. Original features like arched windows and high ceilings add character to the apartments, which also boast such modern features as high-end finishes, top-of-the-line appliances, central air conditioning, and in-unit laundry.
Residential amenities include a double-height lobby with part-time doorman, a fully equipped fitness center, a private party room, a business center, an interior courtyard, and a roof deck with barbecue stations. Additional conveniences include package lockers, bike storage, and on-site parking with electric car charging stations.
A market-rate leasing launch is on the horizon, and a lottery for 62 rent-stabilized units is in effect through October 14, 2024. Full criteria and the application may be found here.
Residential amenities include a double-height lobby with part-time doorman, a fully equipped fitness center, a private party room, a business center, an interior courtyard, and a roof deck with barbecue stations. Additional conveniences include package lockers, bike storage, and on-site parking with electric car charging stations.
A market-rate leasing launch is on the horizon, and a lottery for 62 rent-stabilized units is in effect through October 14, 2024. Full criteria and the application may be found here.
279 Sterling Place
Built in 1893 | Converted in 2006
1 availability for $3,000,000
279 Sterling Place (Compass)
Public School 9 Annex was built out of the necessity to relieve overcrowding at the school across the street. The result is a Romanesque Revival building that would become a New York City landmark and entrant on the National Historic Registry. More recently, the apartments inside are rich in historic details like skylights, exposed brick, and arched entryways.
Public School 9 Annex, #4A
$3,000,000 (-7.7%)
Prospect Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths | 3,100 ft2
Public School 9 Annex, #4A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
44 Cheever Place
Built in 1922 | Converted in 1986
No current availabilities
The Cobble Hill School Condo (Compass)
In the boundaries of the Cobble Hill Historic District, a schoolhouse was converted to a boutique condominium to accommodate the growing demand for housing. All apartments feature soaring ceilings and loft-like interiors, and amenities include a laundry room, assigned storage units, bike room, and on-site parking.
Built in 1901 | Converted in 1984
No current availabilities
174 Pacific Street (Brown Harris Stevens)
Cobble Hill's onetime P.S. 78 gets an A in renovations! It is now a New York City Landmark with gated parking, and offering excellent access to Trader Joe's, popular restaurants, and top shopping.
371 Madison Street
Built in 1908 | Converted in 2014
No current availabilities
The School House (Modern Spaces)
Swimming pool
Courtyard
The Lower East Side is one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, but this prewar school has been converted to loft-like apartments that act as light-filled oases from the hustle and bustle. It has a full-time doorman, and building amenities include a fitness center, near-Olympic-sized pool, laundry room, on-site parking, bike room, screening room, and courtyard. See further details here.
340 East 117th Street
Built in 1906 | Converted in 2020
2 availabilities from $3,050/month
East River Lofts (Living R.E. Group)
East River Lofts is the residential conversion of the former P.S. 85 in East Harlem. A brick and glass addition designed by Issac & Stern Architects has been seamlessly incorporated into the original school, and all sections had new casement windows installed. Amenities include virtual doorman service, bike room, package room, fitness center, lounge, and roof decks with sweeping city views.
East River Lofts, #2G (Living New York)
526 West 146th Street
Built in 1902 | Converted in 2016
No current availabilities
The Residences at PS186 (Dattner Architects)
At the beginning of the 20th century, this Neoclassical school building was designed by New York City Chief C.B.J. Snyder. Over 100 years later, after the structure had fallen into significant disrepair, Dattner Architects took on the task of preserving its historic exteriors and converting the interiors to community space for the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem and affordable apartments. The units boast 14' ceilings, and residential amenities include a video intercom, laundry room, community room, bike room, and the services of a live-in superintendent.
Built in 1906 | Converted in 2016
2 availabilities from $4,000/month
17 Monitor Street (Nooklyn)
A short distance from the L train, the St. Cecilia Catholic School has been converted to a modern "residential retreat" while honoring its prewar architecture. Amenities include a gym, laundry room, game room, lounge, bike storage, private parking, a common courtyard, and a roof deck with skyline views.
17 Monitor Street, #3U (Nooklyn)
From the listing: Two-bedroom located in 17 Monitor Street, off the Graham Ave L. High ceilings, incredible light, top of the line amenities throughout. 5-minute walk to McGolrick Park and farmers market! The building is gorgeous with a fully equipped gym, laundry room, and entertainment room plus, package delivery room and a crazy-beautiful roof that looks out onto the skyline of Manhattan.See further details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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