By Ivan Pereira
Jamaica High School may just be in the earliest stages to be officially designated as a city landmark, but the news has already excited the school's students and administrators.
A spokeswoman for the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission said the agency has begun reviewing the 81-year-old school for consideration as a historically significant building.
“We received a request to evaluate it and will be looking into it,” said landmarks commission spokeswoman Lisi de Bourbon.
De Bourbon said the process was in the beginning phase and there would be many future steps, including research and a commission vote, before the landmarking could take place. The designation would have to get final approval from the City Council before it became official.
Jamaica High students said they were glad to hear that their school, at 167-01 Gothic Drive, could possibly be put on the map next to other city buildings like the Empire State Building.
“I think the school should be landmarked because the high school has been around for so long,” said senior Omega Wood, 17. “You don't see that type of building before.”
The high school was officially chartered in 1892 and in 1925 ground was broken for a new building on the 13.5-acre site on Gothic Drive and 168th Street. Two years later, the new Jamaica High School opened its doors.
The three-story colonial style school building sports a large clock tower at its main entrance on the south side. Inside, Jamaica High has several classrooms, a library, a two-story gymnasium and a swimming pool.
“It's really well-maintained, considering its age,” said Principal Walter Acham.
He added that Jamaica High is situated at one of the highest points in Queens and would be visible to a number of residence if it were not for the obstructions from other buildings.
Acham said the school's administrators have been trying to get the school landmarked for years.
“When I joined [Jamaica High School] about a year ago, one of the first things I asked was 'Where are we in the process?'” he said. “I know it's not a quick thing, but I know after they do their research it'll get approved.”
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
