Thaddeus Stevens School of Observation

The Thaddeus Stevens School of Observation, located in the Poplar neighborhood of Philadelphia, is a historic building recognized for its architectural significance and educational history. Designed by Irwin T. Catharine in the Late Gothic Revival style, the five-story brick structure features distinctive Gothic elements and was originally established as a training ground for teachers. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, the school has since been repurposed into lofts. Notably, in 1998, mural artist Meg Saligman created the mural 'Common Threads' on its exterior, celebrating the connection between contemporary youth and classical figures, using local high school students as models.