Built in 1869 and twice enlarged substantially, it is notable for including the only surviving unaltered Second Empire school building in the city.

In 1869 the front section was built; it is a three-story mansard-roofed brick building designed by local architects E. Boyden & Son.

The cornice has corbelled brickwork, and the main entrance is sheltered by a wood-frame porch.

It has sandstone trim, and its main entrance faces east toward McKeon Street, sheltered by a gable-roofed porch supported by square brick and stone piers.

[2] The school was built in response to growing industrial economic along the Southbridge Street corridor and the nearby railroad lines.