Phoenix celebrates historic building 331 marking education's roots in Arizona

The City of Phoenix is celebrating its rich educational history with a focus on the historic Building 331, located in downtown Phoenix. Constructed in 1917, this two-story structure originally served as the first administrative office for the Phoenix School District, which was established on May 5, 1871, as Arizona's first public school district.

The early days of education in Phoenix were humble, with classes initially held in a county courtroom. The first dedicated school, built in 1874, was a modest one-room adobe and brick building located at the corner of Central and Monroe, where the San Carlos Hotel now stands.

Today, Building 331 has transitioned from its educational roots to serve as a small executive office center known as the Metro Office Building. This evolution reflects the ongoing development and adaptation of historic sites in Phoenix, connecting the community to its past while serving current business needs.

As the city continues to honor its historical landmarks, residents can appreciate how these sites contribute to the cultural fabric of Phoenix and support local economic growth.