Built in 1907–09 to a design by John Calvin Stevens and his son John Howard Stevens, it was hailed as a model elementary school by the state, built with up-to-date technology to the latest standards.

It is a three-story masonry Classical Revival structure, built out of brick with stone trim, set on a granite foundation.

It was designed with fire resistance in mind, wired for electricity, and had the latest in heating and ventilation technology installed.

[2] The school was also home to the state's first special classes for children with vision problems, a program that was operated between 1932 and 1964.

[3] The building now houses 22 residential units, called the Nathan Clifford Residences.