41 Broad St. renovation earns historic preservation award.

Claremont Preparatory School, an independent, nonsectarian elementary school, has announced that its building at 41 Broad St. was recently honored with a Historic Preservation Award by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The organization singled out the property for achievement in historic preservation in the private sector.

In partnership with the building's owner, Walwilhal Associates, Claremont Prep recently completed a comprehensive renovation of the 125,000 s/f building, which was originally designed by the architectural firm of Cross & Cross. John Coogan of Oaklander, Coogan & Vitto was the architect for the renovation and Mary Dierickx served as the preservation consultant.

The grand banking hall, which opened in 1929 as part of the investment bank Lee, Higginson & Company, still features historic murals by Griffith Baily Coale. However, where bankers and businessmen once pursued commerce, Pre-K through 8th Grade students now engage in a rigorous academic program.

The totally wireless facility includes a 25-meter competition pool in the basement and a gymnasium on the ninth floor. The second floor accommodates administrative offices and a library while classrooms occupy the third through eighth floors. The cafeteria overlooks the old vault, which now serves as a kitchen. In addition, the facility offers art studios, a library, laboratories, a large outdoor rooftop play space and a professional performing arts auditorium in the banking hall space.

Claremont's student body, which represents a diverse population of children from New York's five boroughs as well as New Jersey, receives individual attention to cultivate intellectual curiosity, an appreciation for the arts, athletic skill, sportsmanship and an enduring love for learning.

"Claremont prep balances rigorous academics with a cutting-edge social wellness program," said Headmaster Irwin Schlacter. "Our curriculum emphasizes a well-rounded education including stress and time management, problem solving/communication skills, nutrition, community volunteer programs and exercise."

The Griffith Baily Coale murals, which depict dozens of ships in "A Pageantry of the History of Commerce by Sea," have been fully restored by EverGreene Painting Studios, as have the bank partner's mahogany-walled offices which feature wood from Sherwood Forest. These offices now serve as conference room space.

Claremont, one of the eight schools in the Metschool family, is reputedly the first new school in more than 100 years in the neighborhood.

The Claremont Children's School in the former East River Savings Bank building at Amsterdam Avenue and 96th Street is also a Metschool institution.

The school, which shares its neighborhood with the New York Stock Exchange, appeals to the increasing number of families living in Lower Manhattan as well as to parents who work in the financial district and can bring their children downtown with them each day.

The stock exchange purchased 41 Broad Street in 1940 and sold the property one year later to the Public National Bank, which merged in 1955 with Bankers Trust. A Conway clothing store was located in the banking hall in the recent past.