Press Release
May 07, 1998
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Brian Vattimo
518/486-1868
PARKS COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS
(Ithaca, New York, May 7, 1998... ) Commissioner Bernadette Castro and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation have announced the 1998 recipients of the annual New York State Historic Preservation Awards.
Commissioner Castro selected six projects for this year's awards, which were presented during a ceremony held May 2, in Ithaca as part of the annual conference of the Preservation League of New York State. National Historic Preservation Week is observed this year between May 11-17.
"These awards represent outstanding achievements in protecting, preserving and revitalizing New York's rich heritage," Commissioner Castro said. "This year's awards are as diverse as New York's large collection of historic resources, from exemplary leadership and successful partnerships to skillful rehabilitation and innovative demonstration projects."
This year's award winners are: Newburgh Armory in Newburgh; Birch Avenue Archeology Project in Lake George; Lorenzo State Historic Site Cultural Landscape Report (Cazenovia); Hubbard Hall in Elizabethtown; Maplewood Historic District in Rochester and the New York Landmarks Conservancy's Sacred Sites Program.
"The preservation and recognition of our historic and cultural resources is critical to the future development of the state and enhancing the quality of life of all New Yorkers," said Castro.
Newburgh Armory, Newburgh
The Commissioner's Annual Private Sector Achievement Award
The Newburgh Armory is one of Newburgh's most prominent landmarks and, until recently, one of its most deteriorated historic buildings. Through the vision and hard work of the Gemma Development Company of Hicksville and Central Valley, New York, the armory has been reborn. The private development company has transformed an eyesore, that many felt should be torn down, to a revitalized landmark with a new lease on life -- the results could not be more dramatic. The building's distinguished brick and stone exterior has been repaired and its interior has been converted to municipal offices for Orange County. The Newburgh Armory is an inspiration for preservation efforts throughout the city and is an exemplary demonstration project for communities across the state.
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation -- Birch Avenue Archeology Project Lake George
As one of New York's largest utility companies, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation undertakes numerous projects to improve service to its customers. When a proposed new substation in Lake George was found to be located on an important 18th century French and Indian War encampment, Niagara Mohawk decided to fully address the impact of the project on this significant archeological site. Although the project did not fall under the purview of historic preservation regulations, Niagara Mohawk worked with the State Historic Preservation Office to redesign the project to reduce impacts to the site and retained the firm of Collamer and Associates to conduct an archeological excavation of those portions of the site that could not be avoided. Through Niagara Mohawk's strong commitment to preserving cultural resources and Collamer and Associates' high quality archeological work, a large portion of the site has been protected and an extraordinary collection of eighteenth century military artifacts have been preserved for future research and education.
Lorenzo State Historic Site Cultural Landscape Report, Cazenovia
In 1793, John Lincklaen, a Holland Land Company Agent, developed the community of Cazenovia into a commercial center. By 1807, he established a country seat, Lorenzo, at the southern end of Cazenovia Lake. The Lorenzo State Historic Site Cultural Landscape Report contains a wealth of information about the property's history, its growth and development, patterns of use, significant landscape features and provides practical and insightful recommendations on the protection, restoration and interpretation of the Lorenzo's remarkably intact landscape. The report was a collaborative effort among several partners, including the Faculty of Landscape Architecture at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the Friends of Lorenzo, a not-for-profit organization that helps support the site's activities, and State Parks' staff at Lorenzo and in the Central Region office. The cultural landscape report promises to become one of the site's most important planning tools.
Hubbard Hall, Elizabethtown
Built in 1840 and later enlarged, Hubbard Hall has adapted to many uses through the years. Originally the private residence of U.S. Congressman Orlando Kellogg, the house has been a community center, hospital, community college and municipal offices. It is a conspicuous landmark in Elizabethtown, the seat of government of Essex County. Until recently, Hubbard Hall was vacant and threatened with demolition. Through the efforts of Rediscover Elizabethtown, a concerned citizens group, and the encouragement of other regional heritage organizations, the landmark was sold to developer Darren Tracy for rehabilitation and reuse. By listing the property on the National Register of Historic Places and taking advantage of the federal preservation Investment Tax Credit programs, Mr. Tracy has transformed Hubbard Hall from an endangered landmark to a fully occupied private office building. The project promises to be a catalyst for revitalization efforts in the community and surrounding area.
Maplewood Historic District, Rochester
The 178 acre Maplewood Historic District is one of Rochester's most distinguished residential neighborhoods. Developed during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the district contains 432 historic buildings, many of which were designed by prominent regional architects, and three Olmsted-designed landscapes, including two picturesque boulevards and a park overlooking the Genesee River gorge. Through an effective collaboration among the Historic Maplewood Committee, Maplewood Neighborhood Association, the City of Rochester, and the Landmark Society of Western New York, and with the help of a Certified Local Government grant and the consultant services of Bero Associates, the district's historic, cultural and landscape resources were comprehensively identified, evaluated and nominated for listing on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. The project partners have made an extra special effort to raise preservation awareness among the property owners and residents, emphasizing the neighborhood's remarkably intact historic character. The Maplewood Historic District initiative is an exemplary neighborhood identification, recognition and public education project in western New York.
New York Landmarks Conservancy - Sacred Sites Program
The Commissioner's Annual Not-For-Profit Achievement Award
From big cities to small towns, religious landmarks can be found in almost every community across the state and are poignant reminders of our rich heritage. The New York Landmarks Conservancy's Sacred Sites Program has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation of historic religious properties, including churches, synagogues and meeting houses. Ten years ago, New York State presented an award to the Conservancy in recognition of the Sacred Site Program's excellent work. This year, State Parks reaffirms its admiration of this outstanding statewide initiative and the extraordinary contribution it has made to recognizing and protecting New York's magnificent houses of worship. Under the experienced leadership of president Peg Breen and program director Ken Lustbader, the Sacred Sites Program has become a national leader. From technical assistance and public education to grants for preservation planning and repair work, it has helped protect and preserve some of the state's most conspicuous landmarks. New Yorkers are grateful to the New York Landmarks Conservancy for its long commitment to historic preservation and State Parks applauds and celebrates its accomplishments.