Dutch Reformed Church Report Wins "Project of the Year"

In 2016, the city of Newburgh and Preservation League worked together to commission an engineering assessment of the Dutch Reformed Church interior.

Engineering firm Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis, with help from Vertical Access, assessed the roof truss system and remaining plaster ceiling inside the sanctuary.

​As the report neared completion, the city issued a Request for Proposals seeking a developer for the Dutch Reformed Church, City Club, and nearby vacant land. The city sought a developer who would commit to preservation and adaptive use of the Dutch Reformed Church and City Club. The Preservation League, along with several other stakeholders from the preservation community and city of Newburgh, participated in reviewing the developer proposals and provided technical assistance throughout the process.

On October 18 of this year, the Structural Engineering Institute (Mohawk Hudson Chapter) named this report their Structural Engineering Project of the Year for studies/investigations.

In August, 2017, the committee’s preferred developer, Alembic Community Development, was chosen by the city of Newburgh to rehabilitate the Dutch Reformed Church and City Club. This project will also incorporate new construction on a vacant 1.8 acre parcel near the buildings. Alembic Community Development is committed to preserving the historic buildings and engaging the Newburgh community on the future of the Dutch Reformed Church. They intend to use the NYS and Federal Historic Tax Credits on the Dutch Reformed Church rehabilitation, following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

The Preservation League looks forward to continuing our work with the city of Newburgh, local advocates, and Alembic to make sure the Dutch Reformed Church is preserved for future generations.