1110 Boston Road at the northeast corner of East 166th Street

Known to generations of Bronx students, Morris High School was the first co-educational high school in New York City.  Architect Charles B. J. Snyder designed its present structure, which opened in 1904.  The school’s Collegiate Gothic style was no doubt inspired by Snyder’s study trips to England and France and the building is considered by some as the architect’s masterpiece.  The five-story building, meant to accommodate 2,500 students, features buff brick with limestone and terra cotta details with a gabled green copper roof. An eight-story entrance pavilion has an octagonal and turreted central tower. The building uses a modified H-shape plan and was intended to minimize street noise and maximize light. Particularly striking is the school’s vaulted auditorium, now called Duncan Hall, which seats 1,200 and is considered the jewel of the building.

 

Due to the beauty of this early 20th century building, its interior, and its surrounding enclave of brick row houses, New York City designated the site for landmark status in 1982. Known as the Morris High School Historic District, the area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.  In all, fifty-three buildings from all or part of three surrounding blocks are included in the district.

 

In the 1990s, the school was in decline with marked academic failure, low attendance and vandalism. By fall, 2002 Morris High School was being phased out when it was decided that not one, but five small schools would occupy the building. Each school would have its own special focus and its own principal. Restored in 1997, the building itself is an architectural gem that anchors the community and is a continuing source of neighborhood pride.

 

Janet Butler Munch

 

 

Photographs:
Abigail McQuade