It occupies the former George Washington School building in the Dickinson Narrows neighborhood,[citation needed] in proximity to Southwark.

It features ribbon windows, brick piers, and a projecting entrance with skyscraper-like details and rounded corners with decorative figures.

[4] The school was originally established to serve children of workers in the Philadelphia Navy Yard and had been in operation since the U.S. Civil War period.

The large brick piers, rising above the parapet line, in battlement style, have limestone caps.

The overscale detail, with the characteristic rounded corners is created by two figures, wearing robes and carrying lanterns, lighting the way to the main door.

These figures constitute the columns which support a smooth dressed entablature with a carved name plate and fascia detailing.

Adjacent to the main entrance is the auditorium area which continues the building's appearance with the exception of the window pattern.