P.S. 3 The Charrette School

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5-story Neo-Classical school completed in 1906. Designed by C.B.J. Snyder for the City of New York as Public School 3. The original schoolhouse here had been built in 1821 as School No. 3 by the Pree School Society, on lots given by Trinity Church Corporation.

The main portion of the school fronts on Bedford, Grove, and Hudson Streets and rises to a height of five stories above a rusticated stone base at first floor level. Above the fourth floor, a classical roof cornice surmounts a frieze with triglyphs and carved metopes. The cornice above has a low brick parapet between windows with arched pediments flanking a large triangular pediment which surmounts a triple window.

The low building to the north, housing the school auditorium and gymnasium on the roof, was added in 1915-16 by the same architect. It is built of rusticated stonework and is one' story high and runs through the block to Hudson Street. Its most conspicuous feature is its row of arched windows, joined to produce the effect of an arcade. Unfluted Doric columns support the arches; a larger doorway to the north is set in a small rusticated pavilion. This building is surmounted by a simple classical cornice with stone balustrade. The handsome gymnasium facade is repeated on Hudson Street.

Today, PS 3 has been named the John Melser Charrette School (pre-K to 6th grade) and the Greenwich Middle School (6-8), and has a special emphasis on creativity.