Why is this building significant?
Of note both for its distinguished architecture and its associations with the Founding Fathers, the Erasmus Hall Academy Building was constructed as a private school for boys. Established with the assistance of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, John Jay, and others, it was the first secondary school chartered by the New York State of Regents. It is a Federal-period wooden building situated within the central courtyard of the celebrated Erasmus Hall High School, whose notable alumnae include Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, and Mae West.
What did the New York Landmarks Conservancy do?
We fought to save the building for years, paying for conditions surveys, urging the City to take proper care of the landmark, and looking for an alternative use. Ultimately, then Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams dedicated some $675,000 of capital budget money to restore the exterior.
Contemporary
Historic
