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| 2010 Excellence in Historic Preservation
Award Recipients |
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project
excellence
> William S. Hackett
Middle School
Albany, Albany County
> The Belmont Hotel
belmont, Allegany county
> Walkway Over the Hudson
Poughkeepsie, Highland
> The Guaranty Building
buffalo, erie County
> The American Museum of Natural History, 77th Street Facades
manhattan, New York County
> Empire State Building Lobby Restoration
manhattan, New York County
> Oswego Public Library
Oswego, Oswego County
> West Hall at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, rensselaer County
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publication
> Looking for Work: Industrial Archeology in Columbia County, New York
by peter h. Stott
individual excellence
> Senator David Valeksy and Assemblymember Sam Hoyt
legislative sponsors of the New York State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program
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> William S. Hackett
Middle School
Albany, Albany County
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As part of a district wide school reorganization, William S. Hackett Middle School was repositioned to provide small learning communities for grades 6, 7, and 8. With modest interventions, the upper floors were renovated into up-to-date teaching clusters. Found spaces on the lower floors were converted to supporting spaces, including media center, cafeteria, and music and art classrooms. A great deal of respect was given to the primary spaces of the building, including the grand stairwell and auditorium, and the restoration of stained glass elements. While many new school buildings house their athletic programs in nondescript boxes, the Hackett rehabilitation kept the magnificent gym intact, cleaning the terra cotta frieze at the top of the brick walls. Further, a NYSERDA grant supported upgrades to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and has resulted in greatly increased energy efficiency.
Contributing to the success of this project were the City School District of Albany, including Dr. Eva Joseph, Former Superintendant of Schools, Ken Gifford, ASLA, Former Director of Facilities, Shawn Hamlin, AIA, former Senior Architect ; ENVISION Architects, PC of Albany, including Sandra M. Baptie, AIA LEED AP, Principal-in-Charge, Michael Naylor, AIA, Project Architect, Design, Annette Barnes, RA LEED AP, Project Architect, Construction and Walter Gould, Construction Manager; Excel Engineering, PC of Latham; Richard L. Applebaum, PE of Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt Structural Engineers of Syracuse; and Kenneth Rizzo, Project Manager, Sano Rubin Construction Co. of Albany.
Built from 1925-27 from the 1924 design of Marcus T. Reynolds, the exterior facades and interior grand spaces of the school appear to be patterned on 18th century English country estates. The primary interior spaces, including the lobby, grand stair, and auditorium, are eligible for National Historic Landmark Designation. According to Baptie, “The most significant challenge was determining a fixed scope for bidding a public project, and investigating and applying correct preservation techniques. Our intent was to preserve, and to restore to the greatest extent possible, the historic fabric while carefully concealing and integrating the necessary interventions for building systems work.”
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> The Belmont Hotel
belmont, Allegany county
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League staff was involved in the earliest local efforts to reuse this imposing three-story structure built in 1890 in the heart of this rural village, and advised on some of the project’s first grants. Now, this fully rehabilitated mixed-use property includes cultural, commercial and residential units and is a cornerstone of downtown revitalization efforts – all the while respecting the remaining historical elements of ‘The Queen of Schuyler Street.’”
Contributing to the success of this project were Arbor Development of Bath; The Fountain Arts Center in Belmont; Edgemere Development in Rochester; Saralinda Hooker, Preservation Consultant, of Canandaigua; ADG Architects of Rochester; and DGA Builders of East Rochester.
The Belmont Hotel was built in 1890, just down the street from the Allegany County Courthouse in the Village of Belmont. According to Dan Gallagher, Director of Real Estate Development for Arbor Development, “The former Belmont Hotel has been transformed from a decaying eyesore and community safety hazard into an outstanding example of the rehabilitation of a historic building through preservation. This transformation has inspired other business owners to make improvements to their properties, and has fostered additional streetscape developments throughout Belmont’s downtown business district. We are truly honored to receive statewide recognition for our project.”
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> Walkway Over the Hudson
Poughkeepsie, Highland
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On October 3, 2009, the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was transformed into the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. As one of the signature projects of New York’s Quadricentennial celebration, it welcomed 44,000 visitors the weekend it opened, and demonstrated that rehabilitation was less costly than demolition, while creating a resource and economic development engine for the surrounding community.
Contributing to the success of this project were the Dyson Foundation of Millbrook; Bergmann Associates of Albany; Ft. Miller Co. of Schuylerville; Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors of Glenmont; ERSI of Schenectady; Scenic Hudson; The Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust; Lucy R. Waletsky; U. S. Senator Charles E. Schumer; Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Governors Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson, State Senator Stephen Saland; and many state, county and local entities.
Linking Poughkeepsie with the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County, the bridge was taken offline in 1974 and its future was in jeopardy. According to Amy Husten, the Outgoing Executive Director of Walkway over the Hudson, “The Walkway Over the Hudson project represents adaptive re-use on a grand scale with the best of outcomes. This grand symbol of the American Industrial Age is enjoying new life as a sustainable public attraction – one that is already proving to be a significant recreational, tourism and economic development asset for both the region and the State of New York.”
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> The Guaranty Building
buffalo, erie County
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Adler & Sullivan’s Guaranty Building (also called The Prudential Building), completed in 1895, is known as one of the finest office buildings in the country. Despite restoration achievements in the 1980s, stewardship of the landmark building declined and by the late 1990s its future was uncertain. The law firm Hodgson Russ purchased the landmark in 2002, and with vision, leadership and unflagging commitment to both the Guaranty Building and Buffalo’s downtown, spent the next seven years on exterior and interior restoration. Contributing to the success of this project were Hodgson Russ LLP; Flynn Battaglia Architects; Gensler Architecture; GPS, a division of LPCiminelli; Morris Masonry; and M/E Engineering, all of Buffalo; and Boston Valley Terra Cotta of Orchard Park.
Gary M. Schober, president and CEO of Hodgson Russ, said, “We are honored that Catherine Schweitzer and all our other friends at Preservation Buffalo Niagara nominated our firm to receive this prestigious award, and we are delighted to have been among those selected to receive it. Today our renovations are nearly complete, and we are proud to be part of the resurgence of downtown Buffalo. Our firm looks forward to having the opportunity to continue to foster and maintain the Guaranty Building, one our country’s most important architectural treasures, for years to come.”
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> The American Museum of Natural History, 77th St. Facades
manhattan, New York County
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The red and pink granite façades of the 77th Street wings of the museum were showing signs of age -- cracking, delamination, efflorescence, and soiling. Through masonry cleaning, repairs, and repointing, as well as careful restoration of the building’s monumental wood windows, this project exemplifies the best in historic restoration. The Jury agreed that the AMNH deserves recognition for the stewardship and restoration of its landmark building.
Contributing to the success of this project were The City of New York; American Museum of Natural History; Zubatkin Owner Representation LLC; Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Bovis Lend Lease LMB, Inc.; The RBA Group; and Fisher Marantz Stone - all of New York; Kohler Ronan LLC of Danbury, CT; Nicholson &
Galloway of Glen Head, NY; and H&S Environmental of West
Paterson, NJ.
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections. According to Ann Siegel, Vice President for Operations and Capital Programs, American Museum of Natural History, “The AMNH project demonstrates the state of the art in historic preservation across many disciplines, including the analysis and selection of appropriate materials and details, the high quality of the contractors’ craftsmanship, the collaborative nature of the project team, the attention to neighborhood concerns, and most importantly – the tangible results.”
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> Empire State Building Lobby Restoration
manhattan, New York County
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One of the most iconic structures in the city and in the world, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931. Unfortunately, modernizations and insensitive modifications made over time had obscured and detracted from the Art Deco lobby, one of the few interiors designated a historic landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The building’s owners’ dedication to historic preservation is illustrated by the retention of some of the best architects, engineers, and historic paint conservators and restoration specialists in the city. Additionally, the Jury was delighted to have a shining example of a landmarked interior space achieving energy efficiency hand-in-hand with historic restoration. Contributing to the success of this project were The Empire State Building Company, LLC; Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP; Jones Lang LaSalle; Robert Silman Associates, PC; Two Twelve Associates, Inc.; Goldman Copeland Associates, PC; EverGreene Painting Studios, Inc.; Rambusch Studios; and Hunter Roberts Interiors – all of New York; The Lighting Practice of Philadelphia, PA and Amses Cosma Inc. of Brooklyn.
Following nearly two years of research, and guided by historical documents, photos, original design sketches and forensic analysis of existing architectural elements, the lobby has been restored to the original architects’ vision and 1931 design— even though that required permission from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to alter the ca. 1960s landmarked interior. According to Anthony E. Malkin, Empire State Building, “The highlight of our lobby restoration is the faithful recreation of the original 1930s Art Deco ceiling mural. Designed as a tribute to the Mechanical Age, it was constructed of aluminum leaf and 23 karat gold applied to canvas and depicted a celestial sky with sunbursts and stars that rendered as gears and cogs.”
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> Oswego Public Library
Oswego, Oswego County
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Just nine years ago, this building was placed on the League’s Seven to Save list of endangered properties, and threatened with abandonment. Now, after significant rehabilitation and expansion, the continued use of an existing building as a library has had a positive effect on Oswego. Retrofitting a 19th century library to accommodate 21st century needs is a challenge and this outcome provides an important statewide model.
Contributing to the success of this project were Friends of the Oswego Public Library; Port City Preservation, Step One Creative and PRO Library, all of Oswego; LeChase Construction and SWBR of Rochester; Tappé Associates of Boston; North Country Library System of Watertown; the Heritage Foundation of Oswego and the staff and trustees of the Oswego Public Library.
The Oswego Public Library opened in 1857 with a directive that the library be open to all “regardless of race, social standing, or sex.” According to Mercedes Niess, an Oswego Public Library Trustee, “While this building once suffered from serious structural issues and was unable to support the load of patrons and books, we now have a structurally sound historic building and a sympathetic addition to meet the needs of today’s community. Further, the re-use of an existing historic building, rather than the construction of a new one, has had a positive effect on the neighborhood and dramatically improved the main entry into the City of Oswego.”
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> West Hall at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, rensselaer County
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The restoration of the once decrepit West Hall, one of the oldest buildings on the RPI campus, is a remarkable rebirth for this structure which is visible from much of the city. Owned by Rensselaer for more than 40 years with little exterior maintenance, we applaud RPI’s decision to accept the architects’ recommendation to repair and restore the existing wood windows. Too many colleges and universities have chosen the path of least resistance in restoring their facilities, and historic windows are often lost. The Jury was also impressed that the slate roof, gutters, and challenging cornice were all restored or replaced in-kind where missing. Contributing to the success of this project were Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Claude Rounds, Vice President for Administration, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; John G. Waite Associates Architects, PLLC of Albany, including, John G. Waite, FAIA, Senior Principal, William Brandow and Robert A Petito, AIA, Project Managers, Matthew Scheidt, AIA, LEED AP, Project Architect, Edward Sehl and Aaron Opalka, LEED AP, Draftsmen, and Meghan Lauver, Specifications Writer; Ryan-Biggs Associates of Clifton Park, Structural Engineer; and Sweet Associates/VMJR Companies of Glens Falls, Contractor.
The earliest section of West Hall was built between 1869 and 1873 as the Troy Hospital, established to treat working class women in the industrial city. According to John G. Waite, FAIA, “This project involved a multi-phased effort extending over half a dozen years. The restoration was comprehensive and complex, encompassing everything from the roof through the landscaping. West Hall, along with the new, Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center building are the most visible RPI buildings from downtown Troy. Together they demonstrate RPI’s commitment to its ‘arts corridor’ and interaction with the city. The restoration of West Hall proves that RPI cares about its past and that it is an integral part of its future.”
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> Looking for Work: Industrial Archeology in Columbia County, New York
by peter h. Stott |
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Unfortunately, many of the tangible elements of the industrial history of the Hudson Valley are endangered. This well-researched publication highlights existing sites and will serve as a resource for League staff, architectural historians, preservationists, and other historians. The photographic and archival documentation of these sites in this volume is exemplary. This publication will foster a greater understanding of these industrial resources, and may ultimately lead to their preservation.
Contributing to the success of this effort were the Columbia County Historical Society, Joan Davidson, Furthermore Grants in Publishing (a program of the J.M. Kaplan Fund), Mike Gladstone, Stephen M. Mandel, and the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
The author used a combination of geological, historical, geographical, and architectural research to develop a comprehensive portrait of the county. According to Ann-Eliza Lewis, Executive Director of the Columbia County Historical Society, “Looking for Work’s descriptions of industrial sites, from ore roasting ovens to paper mills, from railroad bridges to soap factories, provides a whole new dimension to our understanding of the history of Columbia County, which is usually thought of as a rural agricultural community. We hope the book is used to help decipher industrial landscapes throughout New York and across the country.”
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> Senator David Valesky and Assemblymember Sam Hoyt
legislative sponsors of the New York State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program |
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Historic Preservation is an economic force to be reckoned with. Communities that treasure their historic resources reap tangible benefits, whether through job creation, enhanced property values, heritage tourism growth or downtown revitalization. The Preservation League works in every corner of the Empire State to highlight historic preservation’s important role in our civic lives. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Assemblymember Hoyt and Senator Valesky, New York now provides more effective incentives and program features for developers and municipalities seeking to rehabilitate historic buildings, and to advance redevelopment and economic stimulus goals. “As a member of the Assembly from Western New York, I have the privilege of coming from the home of some great historic architecture,” said Assemblymember Sam Hoyt. “But when I saw some of those buildings being lost to decay and vacancy, I realized that state government had to take a proactive approach before it was too late to save them. The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit is just such an approach. Not only will it help preserve our state’s architectural heritage, but also create jobs and help revitalize our economy. I am therefore proud to have helped craft the legislation with Senator Valesky and humbled by this award.”
According to Valesky, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, “The passage of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit was a crucial victory for Upstate New York’s economic development efforts, and we are already seeing results. We are continuing to work to improve the program so it can have an even bigger effect, drawing businesses and people back to our downtowns, and reigniting them as economic engines.”
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