Architect C.B.J. Snyder became the New York City Superintendent of School Buildings in 1891.  He immediately sought to improve conditions at New York City schools, which had been likened to factories. The design theories he applied during his 31-year tenure reflected, and in some cases pioneered, the progressive ideas in education like separate specialized spaces such as gymnasiums, auditoriums, and laboratories.  Snyder was responsible for close to 350 schools and school additions in New York City. The East Village boasts nine schools or additions he designed, reflecting the tremendous growth of the school population in what is now the East Village at the turn of the 20th century, which, along with the Lower East Side, was the most densely populated area in New York City.