Excellence in Historic Preservation Award Winners - 2005
The Preservation League of New York State is thrilled to announce the recipients of its prestigious Excellence in Preservation Award for 2005. This statewide awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the preservation of New York State’s irreplaceable architectural heritage. The awards will be presented at the Preservation League’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in New York City at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at The Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue.
Garden Street Rehabilitation in Poughkeepsie
“We salute Hudson River Housing not only for its commitment to historic preservation, but for the example set through their careful and creative restoration of these formerly dilapidated structures,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “To say that these buildings were brought back from the brink of demolition would not be an overstatement, and we hope that this successful project will serve as a model for other small cities.”
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of architect Charles E. Liscum AIA, of Liscum McCormack VanVoorhis, Poughkeepsie.
The Garden Street Row Houses were constructed in the 1890s as seven attached Queen Anne style homes. The row houses were in an advanced state of disrepair and decay when Hudson River Housing acquired them. Now, saved from the brink of demolition, these houses are occupied by low-income first-time homeowners.
“This project was many years in the planning, and we spent almost as many years bringing it to fruition,” said Gail V. Webster, Executive Director of Hudson River Housing. “This is an example of neighborhood folks right up to and including State officials coming together for the common good of a neighborhood, a city and a region. We are very proud to have been nominated and to receive this award.”
The Gibb Mansion Restoration in Brooklyn
“Their acquisition of the severely deteriorated Gibb Mansion – not to tear down, but to renovate for important new uses – shows a remarkable sensitivity to the value of New York’s historic built environment,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “We are delighted to recognize PACC for its ongoing efforts to restore and protect the historic elements of all its housing projects.”
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of architect Beth Cooper Lawrence.
Though not protected by Landmark designation, the Pratt Area Community Council acquired the severely deteriorated Gibb Mansion in 1998. Located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the once-dilapidated mansion has been transformed into service-enriched housing for low-income community residents living with HIV/AIDS.
“This is a great honor for all of us at the Pratt Area Community Council,” said Deborah Howard, the group’s executive director. “The award from the Preservation League for the Gibb Mansion gives us an opportunity to showcase our stated goals of fostering an equitable, diverse, engaged, and flourishing community in central Brooklyn – starting with the preservation and development safe and affordable housing, a basic human right.”
Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo
“This project illustrates that with careful planning, successful restoration and preservation of historic architecture can be accomplished in ways that add to the vitality and economic well-being of our state’s urban centers,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “Shea’s is truly a celebration of a caring community’s efforts to save an irreplaceable landmark.”
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of architect Thomas E. Jaeger, AIA, president of Kideney Architects in Amherst, NY.
The 3,000 seat theatre was built in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Shea’s closed in the 1970s and was later threatened with demolition due to deterioration. Shea’s O’Connell Preservation Guild leased the building in 1981 and has managed the restoration process. The restored theatre now hosts an all-star lineup of Broadway musicals and brings much-needed business to downtown Buffalo.
“In addition to being the anchor of Buffalo’s Theatre District, Shea’s is featured in several historic and architectural tours of the Buffalo area,” said Anthony Conte, President of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. “Our recent efforts have increased the visibility and significance of Shea’s as an architectural gem, and we are honored to have been selected for this award.”
The Powers Library in Moravia, Cayuga County
“The Powers Library project offers a thoughtful and cost-effective solution to a challenge facing communities across the state,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “It shows that historic libraries can provide modern amenities while preserving a community’s treasured landmark and sense of place.”
The National Register-listed Powers Library is believed to the oldest continuously occupied Free Association Library building in New York. In addition to needed renovations to the 1882 structure, the award-winning project included an addition built to provide handicap accessibility, new restrooms, and additional space for library patrons and community meetings.
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of Randall T. Stearns of Crawford & Stearns, architects and preservation planners.
“As director of Powers Library from 1977 to 2004, I have observed the growth of the library from a small, antiquated facility to a facility providing academic, cultural and social opportunities to all segments of our diverse population,” said Dolores D. Fleckenstein, Past Director. “We are delighted that the efforts we made to overcome design and funding challenges and complete a successful project will be recognized with this prestigious award.”
St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Rochester
“In addition to being an extraordinary architectural gem in a diverse, multi-ethnic neighborhood, St. Stan’s is the anchor on a major route into the city of Rochester,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “The restoration of this church has set the tone for additional neighborhood revitalization efforts including planters, community gardens, and restored commercial facades.”
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of architect Virginia Searl of Bero Architecture of Rochester.
This 1909 Romanesque Revival church, built for Polish immigrants to the Rochester area, is a locally designated landmark and eligible for State and National Register listing. Built in an area that was then the outskirts of town, it is now an anchor of its urban neighborhood and remains the spiritual center of Rochester’s Polish community. The congregation of “St. Stan’s” and volunteers raised some $800,000, hired qualified contractors, and completed an extensive exterior and interior renovation.
“Our congregation treasures its church and has shown a strong commitment to historic preservation with an overwhelming response to the restoration campaign,” said Kathleen Urbanic, chair of the restoration committee. “We are so pleased to receive this award.”
Old Main: The Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center in Utica
“The Office of Mental Health’s efforts to preserve and reuse New York State’s first institution built to provide care for the mentally ill holds the promise of inspiring adaptive reuse strategies for the State’s other endangered landmark psychiatric hospitals,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “The Awards Jury was particularly impressed by the care taken in restoring original features including the woodwork and antique lighting, all in a cost-effective manner.”
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of architects Sheila Richards-Perez and Kevin Murrett, R.A., A.I.A, of Architectural Resources in Buffalo.
The hospital at Utica was built between 1837 and 1843 and is the oldest of New York’s four landmark hospitals – including those in Poughkeepsie, Binghamton and Buffalo. When constructed, it was the largest and most modern single-purpose hospital of its kind in the nation. According to one author – “The impressive Greek Revival building was intended to inspire confidence in the patients, attract eminent medical professionals as well as benefactors, and impress the thousands of travelers who passed through Utica on the Erie Canal each year.” The grounds were equally impressive, created by landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing.
“I would like to thank Governor Pataki for his leadership in making this restoration project a reality,” said Sharon E. Carpinello, R.N., Ph.D., Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health. “I am very proud of the work done on Old Main by our project team, and I am thrilled that their hard work and attention to detail is being recognized. We are honored to receive this prestigious award.”
The Philipse Manor Railroad Station in Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County
“The restoration of the formerly abandoned railroad station is a wonderful example of the beautiful results that can be achieved through attention to professional standards in historic preservation and a creative approach to adaptive re-use,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “Once neglected and in disrepair, the station is now an amenity to the community and a year-round hub of activity.”
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of architects Joanne Tall and Jonathan Felsman of Bond Street Architecture and Design.
Erected between 1910 and 1912, this handsome granite edifice became the gateway for one of the nation’s first (1903) planned suburban developments, Philipse Manor. In the 1970s, Penn Central ceased using the building, and its great fireplace and American Chestnut-paneled waiting room fell victim to vandals. The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center successfully restored the majestic building as a space for offices, poetry readings, writing workshops and other cultural programs.
“When the majestic stone walls and setting of this structure cried out for restoration, not demolition – we listened,” said Margo Stever, Founding Board Member of The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center. “Today, the former train station serves as an inspiration to commuters, writers, and lovers of the arts and history. We are delighted to receive this award for our efforts.”
The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation in Western New York
“The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation has long been known for leadership in promoting private action for the public good,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “From the establishment of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy to the restoration of Graycliff, the Darwin Martin House and the Roycroft Inn – Western New York would look very different but for the financial support of The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation.” Trustees of The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation are Thomas D. Lunt, Robert J. Kresse and Janet L. Day.
Another important project funded by The Margaret L.Wendt Foundation is The King Urban Life Center, which celebrated its grand opening in October, 1998. In the program prepared for the occasion, it was noted that, “the King Urban Life Center has been reborn to serve the individuals, families and children who live in the community surrounding it. Neighborhood children call it their school. Area residents can claim it as their community center. Western New York can take pride in its innovative educational programs and services. And other cities across America can find inspiration in this creative new life for an old Landmark building.”
“The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation is delighted to be recognized for our efforts in Western New York, and is looking forward to partnering with the Preservation League of New York State on many projects in the future,” said Robert J. Kresse, Trustee of The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation.
The Sage Colleges of Albany and Rensselaer Counties
“The Sage Colleges are truly a part of the urban fabric of Troy and Albany,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “Their responsible stewardship of the campus’ built environment, thoughtful renovation of its historic treasures, and successful neighborhood revitalization initiatives have proven to be a winning combination. We are delighted to give The Sage Colleges’ preservation and community-building efforts the statewide recognition they deserve.”
Contributing to the success of the project were the efforts of architect Vincent Lepera of Architecture Plus in Troy, and architect and campus planner Thomas Celli of Celli-Flynn Brennan Architects and Planners in Pittsburgh.
“This recognition is a wonderful honor for all those at Sage who share the commitment to historical preservation – a project that is never done,” said Jeanne H. Neff, President of The Sage Colleges.
In addition to exemplary maintenance and rehabilitation of the campus’ built environment, which includes historic Victorian brownstones and the Bush Memorial in Troy and renovations to buildings in Albany, The Sage Colleges initiated a home ownership assistance program in 1999. Dedicated to bringing more owner-occupants to historic homes in the neighborhood surrounding its Russell Sage College campus in Troy, the program is a partnership among Sage, Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (TRIP) and the Troy Architectural Program (TAP). The program’s centerpiece is a $5,000 grant for homeowners to use toward a down payment, closing costs or renovations. For lower income buyers, an additional $5,000 loan has been available; participants must agree to live in the home for at least 5 years, at which point the loan is forgiven. The program had its first closing in July, 1999 and as of January, 2005, 63 homes have been purchased by owner-occupants.
The Preservation League Statewide Awards Program is funded by a generous grant from the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation of Miami, Florida.
By leading a statewide preservation movement, sharing information and expertise and raising a unified voice, the Preservation League of New York State promotes historic preservation as a tool to revitalize our neighborhoods and communities, honor our heritage and enrich our lives.