In mid-May, two historic Catholic elementary school buildings in Collingdale will turn into senior housing, but before that happens, alumni of St. Joseph Parish School got one last look around April 4, reports the staff for Catholic Philly.

About 200 alumni and friends of the school came out to tour the building..

St. Joseph’s School, which closed in June 2010, was converted to senior housing for those 62 and above by  Catholic Housing and Community Services.

The school served more than 1,600 students in the 1960s and ‘70s. It was the largest grade school, public or private, in Delaware County.

In May 2018, the St. Joseph Parish complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The school’s bell tower and a ringing bell were saved, along with original doors, terrazzo floors, transom windows, chalkboards, and original hardwood floors in select apartments.

Many of the former students were especially appreciative that the green tile walls in the former 7th-grade hallway were still there.

“It was so meaningful to hear former students and parents of Saint Joseph’s School reminisce on their happy school memories,” said Hannah Terry on the CHCS Project Development Team.

Read more about the St. Joseph’s Parish School open house at Catholic Philly.