Frank L. Packard, notable local architect, was commissioned to design the Fair Avenue School in 1879 and prepared the plans for the very low price of $672.
Fair Avenue School is probably the finest local example of the Richardson Romanesque style of architecture. Its most unusual features are twin half-towers with slit window that guard the center tower. Built of dark pressed brick and trimmed in elaborately carved stone, the building’s total cost was a mere $32,692. Operating costs were equally low. All salaries for principal, teachers, janitors, fuel, light, and all supplies for its first full year came to precisely $6603.38.
A large, plain addition was made at the rear in 1900. Architecturally inconsistent, yet contemporary, wings were added in 1957 and 1963.