#91: St. Paul's School

What other building in town looks like “Hogwarts” from Harry Potter?

One of the most beautiful, historic edifices that truly makes Garden City unique is St. Paul’s School.

Built as a memorial to Garden City's founder, Alexander T. Stewart, by his wife, Cornelia, St. Paul's served the community as a boys school for more than 100 years. The Episcopal Diocese closed the school in 1991 and when voters overwhelmingly approved the purchase of the property, the Village of Garden City acquired the 48.6 acres in 1993 for $8.5 million.

The Main Building, a Victorian Gothic style building shaped like an "E," was completed in 1883. The building stands tall on Stewart Avenue and many in town believe its magnificent architecture is what helps define Garden City's character.

After exploring numerous options, the village board of trustees is currently exploring demolition of the Main Building and Ellis Hall. A bond referendum is being held April 27 to give residents the opportunity to vote on whether or not they want the board to float the bonds - not to exceed $3.75 million - to fund the demolition.

If you want to learn more about St. Paul’s, watch village historian John Ellis Kordes' documentary film A.T. Stewart's Garden City and/or read his book, Visions of Garden City. Check out Cyril Smith's and Bill Bellmer’s current history exhibit in the gallery at the Garden City Public Library. Read Mildred Smith’s The History of Garden City, available for sale at the A.T. Stewart Exchange in The Garden City Historical Society Museum.

Or, simply walk the vast property to admire the Main Building's intricate architecture.

Come back next Tuesday at 10 a.m. for reason #90. Click here if you missed reason #92.

Category: Historic buildings

Price: Free

Season: Year-round