Classical High School, or Central High School as it was known until 1934, was designed by the Boston
architectural firm of Hartwell, Richardson and Driver. The cornerstone was laid by the local contracting firm of Morrissey
and Shea on Memorial Day, 1897. Completed in September 1898, at a cost of $472,725, the building represented what may have
been at the time, the grandest public school in all of Western Massachusetts. A base of granite from Maine and limestone from
Indiana, buff-colored brick, limestone cornices, copper trim, and a slate roof defined the exterior. Entry floors and walls
were finished in marble, and interior stairs were elaborately detailed in steel and oak. There was also German glass, Italian
ceiling tiles, bronze light fixtures and hardware, oak wainscotting and paneled doors, and abundant skylights. In 1923, an
architecturally compatible
addition extended the building 115 feet to the west.
The Classical High building has a unique history. Its residents
appreciate the building's landmark contributions and status, not only as a magnificent structure, but also as an important
educational institution to be remembered. Classical's place in the Lower Maple Historic District will forever ensure that
its architectural integrity is respected and preserved. From Dr. Seuss or Theodore Geisel to William Manchester, Timothy Leary,
and Taj Mahal as well as many other thousands of graduates, we are sure they would be proud to know that Classical still stands
as a symbol of this City's greatness. Classical's current place as a premier downtown residence also makes it as vital and
vibrant today as it was in the past. Those of us who live at Classical recognize its importance. We are proud to call Classical
our home, and we have made our individual homes as special as Classical itself.
