prominent original exterior features include carved limestone detail numerous false chimneys steeply pitched slate roofs and a seven-story clock tower while it is not known for certain that columbia high school was inspired by any earlier structures there is a strong resemblance to laynon hall at queens university of belfast at the very top of the clock tower is a copper pyramidal structure the entire pyramid structure rotates and one side opens serving as an observatory the observatory is equipped with a large refracting telescope made by john brashear that telescope is no longer functional but there is a more modern celestron c reflecting telescope that is used by students two levels below are the e howard  co style  clock works alongside the clock is an enormous bronze bell by the meneely bell foundry inside the school can be found rooms with fireplaces hallways with beautiful faience wall tiles by john scott award recipient herman carl mueller of trenton and mosaic inlaid terrazzo floors in the front hall the front foyer was recently renovated removing non-period lighting and mid-century acoustic tile the restoration included doors that more closel