2023 Gratz Grant Supports National Historic Landmark in Utica

The League’s annual grant from the Donald Stephen Gratz Preservation Services Fund was awarded to the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica. The $12,000 grant will fund restoration of the portico at the Miller-Conkling-Kernan Residence at 3 Rutger Park.

This 1830 Greek Revival mansion was designed by noted Albany architect Phillip Hooker. It was originally built for Judge Morris Miller. The property was acquired in 1868 by Roscoe Conkling (Utica Mayor; US Congressman; US Senator; national Republican / Whig boss) and in 1894 by Nicholas Kernan (lawyer; US Congress; founder of Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills). Because of its architectural significance and its association with several prominent historical figures, the house is a designated National Historic Landmark (NHL) — one of only two NHLs in Utica.

Current photograph of 3 Rutger Park in Utica, courtesy Crawford & Stearns.

The house is located in a planned park-like setting in Utica, in what was once the rural outskirts of the city. Along with three neighboring houses (including the c.1854 A.J. Davis-designed #1), it faces Rutger Street with a deep setback. In addition to being a NHL, it is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building to the Rutger-Steuben Park Historic District.

The League has a long history with this property: included along with its neighbors on our 2006 Seven to Save list, we noted that “…the buildings are vacant and are enduring yet another winter without stabilization. Plans for their stabilization and rehabilitation should be made promptly…” In 2008, the League helped the Landmarks Society acquire the property by providing a loan of $200,000 from the Endangered Properties Intervention Program. Today, the Landmarks Society hosts programs and tours inside the house. A new, historically appropriate portico will allow the organization to safely welcome visitors to this remarkable site.

Established in 2010, the Donald Stephen Gratz Preservation Services Fund is funded through a permanently endowed charitable contribution from Thomas J. Schwarz. The goals of the Gratz Fund are to support professional services for preservation projects that: illustrate the benefits of the NYS Historic Tax Credit; leverage other public and private investments; and enable the League to react quickly to preservation opportunities with financial resources. The Gratz Fund gives priority to projects in the Utica, NY area whenever possible.