Local advocates in Schenectady, led by our colleagues at Schenectady Heritage Foundation, are currently lobbying for historic overlay zoning of the 1918 Masonic Temple. Located on the corner of State Street and Erie Blvd, the building occupies a prominent location in Schenectady’s Downtown district — a neighborhood included on the League’s Seven to Save list back in 2000. The League’s VP for Policy & Preservation Katie Comeau submitted the following letter to the Schenectady Planning Commission in support of the local historic designation of the former Masonic Temple.
To: Planning Commission, City of Schenectady Department of Development
Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street Schenectady, NY 12305
Dear Commissioners:
On behalf of the Preservation League of New York State, I am writing in support of the local historic designation of the former Masonic Temple at the intersection of State Street and Erie Boulevard. This building has been determined eligible for the State and National Registers of Historic Places “as an excellent local example of an early twentieth century Neoclassical commercial building,” and meets the criteria for local landmark designation as well.
Constructed in 1912 as retail and showroom space for a local furniture store, the building was remodeled several years later to serve as a Masonic temple. Its historic association with the local Masonic organization, as well as its architectural significance and visual prominence, all contribute to its significance and worthiness for landmark status.
At the League, we support efforts by local preservation advocates and municipal preservation boards to designate and protect historic buildings, districts, and landscapes that are important to their communities. Retention and reuse of historic buildings is beneficial to community character, economic revitalization, and environmental sustainability. We encourage the Planning Commission to recommend inclusion of this building in the OH Overlay Historic District.
Sincerely,
Katie Eggers Comeau
Vice President for Policy and Preservation, Preservation League of NYS