"This building boasts downtown’s best example of an Art Deco storefront. Originally an 1840s Greek Revival structure, still apparent in the upper stories, the storefront was extensively remodeled in 1930 in the Art Deco style. Escalating costs of commercial space in the 20th century resulted in narrower storefronts and deeply recessed entrances with display spaces on either side. The angular Art Deco display windows were designed to draw customers into the store. Rapid advances in glass manufacturing following World War I led to development of vitrolite and carrara glass – opaque glasses that were strong enough to use as exterior wall coverings. Note the sea-foam green vitrolite panels and buff vitrolite of the Schooley’s sign. Also of special note is the aluminum around the display windows and on the door handle. Earlier this century, before mass production, aluminum had the status of a semiprecious metal."

Historic Ithaca, DeWitt Park Historic District and Downtown Ithaca: An Architectural Walking Tour, 30.