Landmarks
SUMMER 2014: VOLUME LII, NUMBER II
THE LANDMARK SOCIETY OF WESTERN NEW YORK
44th Annual House and Garden Tour Mt. Hope–Highland • Rochester, NY June 7-8, 2014
DISCOVER, PROTECT AND REVITALIZE
Landmarks
COVER: ELLWANGER HOUSE. COURTESY OF ELLWANGER ESTATE B&B
8
11
10 15
12
TOP LEFT: ELLWANGER HOUSE (COURTESY OF ELLWANGER ESTATE B&B). TOP MIDDLE: PRESERVATION PARTNERS ROUNDUP. TOP RIGHT: FAIRPORT PRESERVATION SURVEY. BOTTOM LEFT: SOUTH CLINTON AVE. BOTTOM RIGHT: SUNKEN GARDEN AT WARNER CASTLE (DRAWING BY MARK PAYTON).
The Landmark Society of Western New York is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. This newsletter is the official publication of The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc. Publication is assisted with income from Marion Moore Whitbeck Fund and public funds from Monroe County and from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The mission of The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc. is to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable and sustainable communities. Landmarks is published quarterly by The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc., 133 South Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, New York 14608, (585) 546-7029. Fax (585) 546-4788. Look for our website at www.landmarksociety.org. E-mail us at info@landmarksociety.org.
SUMMER 2014 FEATURE: HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR NEW WORKSHOP PRESERVATION SURVEY
WARNER CASTLE SCORECARD
8
10 11 12 15
T
he Landmark Society’s work has been generating considerable public attention. I’ve heard from many of you, thankful that our organization is at the forefront of community involvement. Local and regional media reported extensively on our Five to Revive program, our 75th Anniversary celebrations, our Preservation Grant Fund and most recently the partnership with the Preservation League of New York State to shed even more light on the importance of Rochester’s Olmsted-designed pedestrian bridges located in Genesee Valley Park. Perhaps you have viewed media stories such as our advocacy for redevelopment projects, our tours and events and our legislative advocacy, such as our efforts in Albany and Washington that ensure the tools of historic preservation remain intact. Our media attention speaks volumes about the work that we do and how we do it. So, what accounts for The Landmark Society being in the public eye so much? HARD WORK. It goes without saying, hard work and dedication ARE paramount to success. We have a committed and talented cadre of staff, board members, committee members, donors and organizational members. We set specific and challenging goals and strive to reach those goals.
Executive Director Wayne Goodman and Daniel McKay of The Preservation League of NYS discuss strategy as they advocate for preservation legislation in Washington, DC.
RELEVANCE. For several reasons our work has never been more important. Today we are in a position to safeguard past success; we accept this responsibility enthusiastically. Preservation and heritage are poised to elevate economic growth in communities and neighborhoods of all sizes. Preservation is incredibly well-suited to facilitate smart growth and sustainable living. We continue to actively communicate this vision for an increasing relevancy – and people are noticing.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EXPERTISE. Our team is dedicated, but also quite skilled. Our staff has decades of experience and advanced training. Our volunteer leadership is diverse, with backgrounds in community development, real estate, finance, architecture, marketing, politics and advocacy. Our publicity consultant, Marianne Benjamin, is talented, and she has the trust of regional media outlets. TEAM WORK. Our organization is partnering with a wide array of stakeholders, which includes public, private and nonprofit sectors. This “team approach” is helpful from a financial perspective, but it also leverages our ability to include our heritage in many projects that might otherwise not consider our past at all.
Executive Committee President Mary Znidarsic-Nicosia Vice Presidents Preservation
SUPPORT. We have a strong member and donor base. We recently raised approximately 115% of our 75th Anniversary Fund Raising goal. However, it is increasingly vital that our supporters continue this support to sustain our work. It is critical that our members continue to include The Landmark Society in their planned giving, continuing a tradition that goes back to our founding. We stretch every dollar to its limit. We constantly work to demonstrate tangible results to our members and our donors, because without your financial support, the hard work, dedication, expertise and partnerships are simply powerless. Media attention has proven to be a powerful tool in communicating our success. So, ultimately, your support is to thank for the publicity we are enjoying, as it makes everything else possible.
Thomas Castelein Properties
Mimi Freund Tilton Development
Beth Teall
Finance & Treasurer
Jeffrey J. Pollock Secretary Hugh A. Hamlin
I look forward to working alongside you and the rest of our members, donors and leaders to continue our mission. We have a recipe that works, but you are the main ingredient, and I offer my most sincere appreciation for your support.
At Large JoAnn Beck Andrew A. Costanza Andy Germanow
Wayne Goodman Executive Director
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Anthony Bellomo Bleu Cease Dawn Good Elk Scott Forsyth Jean R. France Sandra Frankel Katherine H. Karl Glenn Kellogg Jerry Ludwig Lee Lundback James I. Marasco Michael Mincher Bill Moehle Carol S. Mullin Louis P. Nau Edward J. Olinger Richard Sarkis William F. Sullivan Stacey VanDenburgh David Whitaker
All the best,
William Balderston John Bero A. Vincent Buzard Christopher Clarke John C. Clark III John W. Clarke Frank Crego Susan Crego Jean Czerkas Jim Durfee William Edwards Charlie Fitzgibbon George Gotcsik
Fran Gotcsik Judie Griffin Frank S. Grosso Thomas Hargrave Art Holtzman James Knauf, Jr. Marianne Koller Carol McAlister Sally McGucken Paul Nunes Andy Olenick Sherri Olenick Ann B. Parks
Richard Reisem Jon Schumacher Madeline Short Marion Simon John Thoman Joanne VanZandt Sterling Weaver Houghton D. Wetherald Henry W. Williams Jr. Arlene Wright Vanderlinde Mr. James Yarrington Mr. Craig Zicari SUMMER 2014
1
NEWS
ARCHITECTURE FOR LUNCH - 2014 Popular lunchtime walks return this June
Timed to fit in with busy schedules and week-day lunch breaks, these 20-minute presentations feature information about the history and architecture of downtown Rochester. Cynthia Howk, Landmark Society staff member and local history expert, will guide interested tour-goers from 12:10 to 12:35 p.m. Architecture for Lunch tours are free and open to the public, held rain or shine, for the most interesting lunch break you’ve ever taken. Meet Cynthia at 12:10 p.m. on the following dates:
1
2
POWERS BUILDING/ FOUR CORNERS:
Friday, June 6 Meet at the W. Main St. entrance of the Powers Building at 16 W. Main St. Discover Rochester’s historic financial, government and legal district in the heart of Colonel Nathaniel Rochester’s original 100 Acre Tract.
3
ST. PAUL STREET GARMENT DISTRICT:
Friday, June 20—New this year! Meet at The Plaza Apartments, 125 St. Paul St. Explore the city’s historic garment district, where clothing, shoes and ties were manufactured for decades. Today trendy restaurants, loft apartments and artist studios have been created in these distinctive 19thcentury buildings, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
EASTMAN THEATRE/ GROVE PLACE:
Friday, June 27 Meet at Eastman Place plaza at E. Main and Gibbs streets, opposite the entrance to the Eastman Theatre. Tour the exciting East End Cultural District with its historic Victorian residential enclave and handsome, early 20thcentury landmark buildings.
Did you know membership dollars are a significant part of our operating budget? Please encourage friends and colleagues to join you in supporting the work we’re doing.
SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Individual Senior $40
•
Individual $45
•
Government & Non-Profit $50
•
Couples & Family $70
Member Benefits
• Free admission to the Stone-Tolan House and Ellwanger Garden (special events excluded) • Subscription to Landmarks Magazine • Reduced admission to ticketed events • Access to the Wenrich Memorial Library for assisted research (advance appointment required)
MEMBERSHIP FORM TO JOIN, RENEW OR INCREASE YOUR MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE FILL THIS FORM AND RETURN.
Enclosed is payment for the amount of:
Name: Address:
City:
I am proud to be a
Zip:
level of membership this year.
Enclosed is my check payable to The Landmark Society. Please charge my:
MC
VISA
DISCOVER
AMEX
$2000
$1500
$1000
Card Number:
$500
$300
$250
Phone #:
$150
$100
$70
$50
$45
$40
2 SUMMER 2014
State:
Name on Card:
Exp. Date: CCV (Security code):
I would like more information on including The Landmark Society in my estate plans. My employer participates in a matching gift program. Enclosed is my signed form. I plan to waive my membership benefits and deduct the full amount allowed by law. Yes, please sign me up for Landmark Alerts e-newsletter. Email Address
NEWS
New Dates For 2014 Friday, September 12 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a tour of lofts, urban apartments, live-work spaces and more! Watch for details in the next issue of Landmarks, or be the first to know and subscribe to our eNewsletter at www.landmarksociety.org
TREE PEONY FESTIVAL AT LINWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS Come explore one of the hidden gems of our region, the historic, 300-acre “Linwood” estate, situated 35 miles southwest of Rochester. The rural retreat of a prominent Buffalo family, this century-old property is located at 1912 York Road in the town of York, Livingston County. The estate and its gardens are open to the public during this year’s Tree Peony Festival of Flowers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 17-18, May 24 - 25 (closed Memorial Day), and May 31 - June 1. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this remarkable site features formal gardens, whimsical architecture and unspoiled views of the Genesee Valley. Admission is $8 and guided tours are $12. For more information, go to www.linwoodgardens.org
Full Moon Flashlight Tours Flashlights and Campfires and S’mores – Oh My! Things look different after sunset at the Stone-Tolan House Historic Site. Seeing the place in the shadows of twilight releases your imagination. It’s easier to envision the family and the tavern guests from over 200 years ago joining you in the dark. Join us as we continue the tradition of this summer evening experience for two Tuesday nights only: July 15 and August 12. Adults and children are invited to grab a flashlight (we’ll have some to share) and head to 2370 East Avenue. Tour the 220-year-old tavern and farmhouse: step into the shadowy tavern room, the hearth dominated kitchen and other spaces that just look more mysterious in the dark. Then stroll the grounds and enjoy the kitchen garden, a look at the late 19th century barn adapted as an education center and try your hand at playing centuries old lawn games and toys. Conclude your evening around the campfire. We’ll share stories, games, songs – and complimentary campfire popped popcorn. You can also splurge and get a s’mores kit for that classic campfire treat. So grab your flashlight or borrow one of ours, bring a camp chair for the campfire or use our wooden benches and join us at Stone-Tolan House Historic Site. Tuesday night July 15 and Tuesday night August 12, starting at 7 p.m. and concluding by 8:30 p.m. Admission is $15.00 per family ($12 for Landmark family members), $6.00 ($5 members) for individuals attending solo or with a buddy. Includes tour, games and campfire. S’mores kits can be purchased at the door, along with beverages. No reservations, plenty of free parking. For more information: www.landmarksociety.org or 585-546-7029 x12. SUMMER 2014
3
NEWS Preservation Month 2014: New Age of Preservation: Embark, Inspire, Engage May is National Preservation Month when local governments, individuals, preservation and Main Street organizations are encouraged to use this month-long opportunity to showcase how they are celebrating and saving historic places yearround. Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this year’s celebration has the theme of “New Age of Preservation: Embark, Inspire, Engage,” which is meant to excite your current supporters and introduce new audiences to the work these groups are doing to enrich and preserve the places that make your community special! Community service opportunities provide events where several organizations can partner at a particular event. Demonstration projects show residents the potential of renovating historic properties for new uses. Special events introduce people to new areas, historic neighborhoods and special exhibits that highlight the “hidden treasures” in your community. For more information about programs, projects, publicity, social media, and much more, go to www.preservationnation.org
New Ellwanger Garden Lilac Festival “Twilight Hours” A weekend celebration of the automobile. This special event, sponsored by The Landmark Society of Western New York and Oak Hill Country Club, will take place on September 19, 20 and 21, 2014. It all begins Friday night with cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres at Horsepower Motorworks in Fishers. The party will be at a working car restoration shop and you may have to belly up to a car lift rather than the typical bar. Live music, food and drink with plenty of time to roam among cars stored and undergoing restoration. Meet the car owners who will be hosting the various tour stops on Saturday. Tour stop tickets and directions for Saturday’s tour will be given out at the party. Since most cars will be garaged, the event will take place rain or shine. Saturday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., you’ll drive around to the various garages on the tour. Just some of the car makes available to view include vintage AC Aceca, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Corvette, Ford, Franklin, Hudson, Jaguar, Sunbeam Tiger, woodies and more. Owners will greet tour goers and answer questions about their cars. A special addition will be a stop at an incredible toy train collection at one of the garages. Ticket holders with vintage or special interest cars are encouraged to drive them on the tour! A lunch stop, open from 12-3 p.m., will be included at one of the garages. This will include hearty grilled foods and ample refreshments. Finally on Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., take in Classics On the Hill. This will be the third annual invitational car show at Oak Hill County Club. Cars will be displayed on the lawn at the Club. Food vouchers (included in the ticket price) can be used for food service at this site. This promises to be a very special weekend to view cars that may not normally be accessible and to meet with their owners. The event is limited to 75 tickets. Price is $125.00 per ticket that includes all three days. The tickets go on sale May 12. To order call Carolyn Haygood at 546-7029, x11. For all other inquiries, contact Jerry Ludwig at 387-9271. Proceeds to benefit The Landmark Society. 4
SUMMER 2014
We are trying something new at Ellwanger Garden this year during the Lilac Festival. On the weekends we’ll be open our traditional festival hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But on weekdays of the festival, Friday May 9 and Monday, May 12 through Friday May 16, the garden will be open from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. You’re invited to stop by after work to enjoy the spring blooms. The light and shadows at twilight make the garden a magical place. It’s a great time to take photographs and listen to the birds sing their evening songs. During the Twilight Hours there may also be a surprise in store for visitors. A painter might be working on a plein air canvas, a musician may drop by to play a little piece or a tai chi disciple might be calmly moving through the garden. Perhaps the ghost of George Ellwanger will be sitting on a bench enjoying the sunset. The Garden is located at 625 Mt. Hope Avenue. Look for signs directing you to nearby off-site parking. Admission is free; a suggested $5 donation is appreciated to help maintain the Garden. Ellwanger Garden is open all year by advance appointment. After the Lilac Festival we’ll be open Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. This year the garden will be open during Peony Weekend, May 31 and June 1st and also during our annual House and Garden Tour the following weekend, June 7 and 8. Don’t miss any opportunity to take in the colors and scents of this beautiful historic perennial garden as its plantings bloom in succession from early spring until late fall.
NEWS
Walk the Walk:
Encounters with Rochester’s African-American Ancestors a Success The February program served over 1,800 students from the Rochester City School District as well as over 400 adults. Three mornings of performances reached 2nd graders with performances by actors portraying AfricanAmericans from Rochester’s past, sharing their stories and modeling good values. Comments on the student evaluations included “I learned the most from Austin Steward because he was bullied and he didn’t bully them back,” “I liked Bessie Hamm because she wanted kids to go to college and I want to go too,” and “Frederick Douglass taught me that if you have a dream you can achieve it if you try.”
We are a new group of youngish folks interested in preservation and community revitalization. We come from various walks of life and various professions—lawyers, planners, doctors, veterinarians, architects, writers, artists— but we all have one thing in common: we care about our communities and we believe our historic resources play an important role in any community’s revitalization. What does “young” mean? Whatever you want it to! We’re targeting those oft-maligned by the media “millenials” (aged 20 to about 40) but, more importantly, we want to connect with like-minded people who are invested in their communities and are young at heart. Be sure to visit The Landmark Society’s website at www.landmarksociety.org/YUP to learn more and sign up for email updates.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BOYER
This program is made possible by support from Bergmann Associates, the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, The Links, Rochester NY Chapter, M & T Bank, Rochester’s Child at The Community Foundation and the members of The Landmark Society. Thank you on behalf of the hundreds and hundreds of lives you touched through this program.
Introducing The Landmark Society’s Young Urban Preservationists!
New opportunity to promote
Do you have a unique event, business or organization that The Landmark Society’s audience might be interested in? We are now offering extremely affordable rates for promotional space in our e-newsletter, Landmark Alerts. This semi-weekly publication is distributed to over 7500 contacts throughout our region and beyond. Our promo spaces come in two sizes and feature your designed promo piece, with a live link to your website.
Promotional Space Available! Promote your events, organization, or company here. Contact Carolyn Haygood at chaygood@landmarksociety.org or 585.546.7029 x10 for details. SUMMER 2014
5
When it comes to the legal aspects of historic preservation, we know exactly which doors to open.
A proud sponsor of the 2014 Statewide Preservation Conference.
Law Practice Concentrating in Affordable Housing and Community Development Law www.chwattys.com
Š 2014 Cannon Heyman & Weiss, LLP Attorney Advertising.
2014 landmarks ad.indd 6CHW902 SUMMER 2014
1
3/10/14 10:01:17 AM
A division of Rochester Colonial Manufacturing
SUMMER 2014
7
The Landmark Society’s 44th Annual
House and Garden Tour June 7 & 8, 2014
by Cindy Boyer, Director of Public Programs
I am so lucky.
I got to spend part of my winter visiting incredible houses as we searched for candidates to include on the June tour. This year’s tour is in a familiar neighborhood. It’s been a retreat for recreation and reflection for over 150 years. It’s a place where our horticultural history and our ancestors have been planted. It’s a destination for flower lovers from around the world. Yes, lots of visitors know this neighborhood. But this is your chance to be more than casual visitor, as residents of the Mt. Hope-Highland historic neighborhood welcome you into their homes.
What did we find for you? Ten private homes and gardens will be open for tour goers. Eight of the homes have never been open for our tour. There’s everything from the palatial Patrick Barry mansion on Mt. Hope Avenue to charming bungalows nestled on hidden streets in the “highlands” of the area. The houses range from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century. Many (if not all) of them are architectdesigned, so you can expect to see artistic use of space and light, and a plethora of fine detail. You will enjoy many original details, lovingly restored finishes, recreated historic kitchen cabinets and wood trim that glows with the patina of time. Style influences include Italian Villa, Arts and Crafts, bungalow and Colonial Revival.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
Two of the houses have newer additions that enhance the historic character of the home. When we first saw one of them it was so impressive, it made us gasp with delight! It’s a good reminder that being stewards of an older home does not mean keeping everything exactly as when it was built. The gardens will not disappoint, either. How could we tell this during our January visits? We have photos – and eye witnesses, since a tour committee member lives in the neighborhood. Since this area was home to the Ellwanger and Barry Nursery—the largest horticultural nursery in 19th century – it’s particularly fitting that the residents’ gardens uphold that tradition. Some of the treats in store: lush perennial gardens; a beautifully landscaped pool; an innovative sliding fence that transforms the upper drive to a patio; the historic grounds of the Ellwanger and Barry 8
SUMMER 2014
PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD REISEM
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLWANGER ESTATE B&B
Mount Hope-Highland Historic Neighborhood
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN AND WAYNE WILLIS
If you’ve never participated in the June tour, you’ll want to know that you can go at your own pace. Your ticket booklet provides a map, descriptions of the houses and admission to each home for one visit. You may go in any order – you can even choose to visit some houses on Saturday and others on Sunday. This gives you the
opportunity to stroll the neighborhood, stop for coffee or lunch or perhaps take one of the Friends of Mt. Hope Cemetery tours. You can even tour Lamberton Conservatory—Monroe County is graciously providing us the Conservatory as tour headquarters.
TICKETS:
Tickets will be available the second week in May. Advance tickets for Landmark Society members are $18, available only directly from The Landmark Society on our website at www.landmarksociety.org or by calling (585) 546-7029 x11. The nonmember advance price is $22, and may be purchased from us, or at Parkleigh, corner of Park Avenue and Goodman Street. On the days of the tour, tickets for all will be $25, if we are not sold out. The Landmark Society’s 44th Annual House and Garden Tour offers you the same opportunity for reflection and recreation in the Mt. Hope-Highland historic neighborhood that Rochesterians have enjoyed for over 150 years. You’ll stroll the tree lined streets, sit on a garden bench, admire the façade of the handsome structures—and this time, you’ll get to walk through the front door of ten of the most distinguished homes in the area. SUMMER 2014
9
PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD REISEM
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLWANGER ESTATE B&B
Nursery; a “pocket waterfall;” a lovely backyard crafted from a former “dump.” Our historic Ellwanger Garden, with its rare blooms, will also be part of the tour.
SEE A GREAT SHOW AND SUPPORT THE LANDMARK SOCIETY
Neil SimoN’S claSSic comedy
sunday, may 11, 7pm
ALL SEATS $37 a portion of the proceeds will benefit the landmark Society
Call or purchase online with code ‘LANDOC13’ (585) 232-4382 | www.GevaTheatre.org limited availability, while supplies last.
New Workshop Offering: Partners Roundup We’ve reformatted and renamed our Spring & Fall Preservation Boards/Commissions Workshops. Introducing the……Spring & Fall Partners Roundups. Why the name change? While we strongly encourage members of Preservation Commissions and other municipal boards to continue attending, we wanted to broaden the reach of these events to include anyone who is advocating for the reuse of historic resources in his/her community, whether you represent a local government, a non-profit organization or you’re just an interested citizen. The workshops will continue to be offered free of charge and we will continue to provide you with important and current training and networking in the field of historic preservation planning. Our 2014 Spring Partners Roundup was held in the village of Palmyra and featured one of our preservation partners, the Western Erie Canal Alliance. WECA’s Executive Director, Roxanne Kise, introduced attendees to the organization 10
SUMMER 2014
and explained the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to community revitalization. The Spring Roundup was sponsored by Bero Architecture PLLC, 24-Hour Helping Hands, and United Professional Advisors. The Fall Partners Roundup will take place in October or November—stay tuned for details! As always, we will announce the date and speaker in our semi-weekly enewsletter Landmark Alerts. Contact Caitlin Meives at cmeives@landmarksociety.org if you would like to sign up to receive announcements specifically about the Partners Roundups.
FAIRPORT PRESERVATION SURVEY by Katie Eggers Comeau The village of Fairport has one of the newest preservation ordinances in our region, but in a short amount of time the preservation commission has made tremendous progress, designating over 30 landmarks. An important tool for the commission has been the village-wide survey conducted by The Landmark Society in 1976. The commission is currently working with Bero Architecture PLLC on a survey update that will synthesize the results of recent preservation efforts and provide recommendations for the commission’s next priorities. The 1976 survey, conducted while Fairport’s commercial district was in the midst of a dramatic transformation under the auspices of urban renewal, identified individual properties and districts worthy of landmark status and recommended the village enact a preservation ordinance to allow official protection of designated properties. While local preservationists supported this idea, political will to enact such an ordinance did not exist until after a major controversy erupted over the fate of the First Baptist Church in 2006-07. This situation made it abundantly clear that Fairport’s signature historic buildings were not protected from demolition and provided an impetus for the village to enact a local preservation ordinance. Fairport’s preservation ordinance established the framework by which the village government designates local landmarks and oversees changes to those landmarks. It codified criteria for local landmark designation, authorized a commission of five volunteer members, and created a process for designation of landmarks and review of exterior alterations to designated properties, such as additions and changes to exterior materials. The newly appointed commission got off to a rapid start, designating seven landmarks in 2008; as of spring 2014 they have designated 32 landmarks, including the village’s most impressive mansions, a historic cemetery, two canal bridges, and, as a group, the village’s surviving hitching posts and mounting blocks. The commissioners have made excellent use of The Landmark Society’s 1976 report; commission chair Jean Whitney says the document “has been our guide to designating houses since we started.” They have been tireless researchers, reveling in the process of learning more about the architecture and history of village properties as they prepare reports on landmark candidates, including an intense effort to document dozens of properties in 2008-09. They have also done an impressive job of making information about their process and the landmark properties
available to the public through a beautiful website, created and maintained by commission member Doris Davis-Fritsch and hosted by The Perinton Historical Society. In 2013, with most of the highest-rated buildings from the 1976 survey already designated, the commission hired Bero Architecture to take a fresh look at the village and prepare an updated report. In general, we are looking for buildings, landscapes, and neighborhoods that were overlooked in 1976 because they were too young (resources from the 1930s-1960s were not considered “historic” in the 1970s) or for other reasons, those that have been restored since 1976 so that their historic character is now evident, and those whose significance has come to light since 1976. In addition, today’s surveys focus more on context - the overall history and important historic themes that give a place its meaning - than was the case in the past, so we will be providing a more extensive introductory section that relates Fairport’s history to its physical resources. For this survey, we’ve been experimenting with a web-based application that allows us to record data and photographs on mobile devices, from which we can efficiently generate a database of significant properties. So far this has been a success, making it much easier than in the past to organize and analyze the information we collect in the field. Research and on-the-ground survey work is still underway as of this writing, so it is too soon to reveal specific results, but we can give a few clues, and hope to provide an update later in the year when work is complete. The commission has already designated most of the highest-priority individual properties identified in the 1976 survey and a number that they have discovered through their own research. Many more properties are eligible for designation in historic districts, which are collections of properties where significance is derived from the overall coherence of the group. The 1976 report suggested creation of several such districts, and this report will update that recommendation. There are also a number of properties that are of historic interest, but do not retain enough of their physical fabric to be considered eligible at this time; those that represent significant opportunities for rehabilitation will be mentioned in the report. Commission members have been busy helping us identify such properties, providing valuable historic research beyond what is typically possible in a survey of this nature. Because preservation planning is not a finite enterprise that can be declared “finished,” there will always be more to do - but we hope this study will hold up as well as The Landmark Society’s 1976 survey has, and will serve as a useful framework for the next generation of preservation activity. SUMMER 2014
11
Preservation
SCORECARD
Keeping score? We are—here’s the latest on several preservation issues around the region:
TOO CLOSE TO CALL
TOO CLOSE TO CALL: 60 CLINTON STREET, BROCKPORT: This former industrial property is located in the village of Brockport, a block west of downtown Main Street, adjacent to the Erie Canal. The Greater Brockport Development Corporation owns the building and has secured significant grant funds to stabilize it and conduct remediation of the site. Known as the Whiteside, Barnett and Co. Agricultural Works building, it might look familiar to attendees of our 2013 Preservation Conference, as it was the subject of a “mini” design charrette, conducted in partnership with the Community Design Center of Rochester. Although a developer is interested in rehabilitating the property, it remains at risk until the Village of Brockport, the Brockport Central School District, and the Town of Sweden vote to approve tax abatement for the redevelopment project. Officials in the village of Brockport and School District have approved the tax breaks, however, the Town of Sweden has not, jeopardizing the chances of a rehab project moving forward. TOO CLOSE TO CALL: COBBLESTONE HOUSE, ROUTE 404, WAYNE COUNTY: This exceptional, c. 1840s Greek Revival style cobblestone house in the hamlet of Williamson was converted to a service station in the 1960s and has sat vacant for a number of years.
SAFE
The 2013 Five to Revive are 12
SUMMER 2014
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LANDMARK SOCIETY
SAFE: 739 SOUTH CLINTON AVE: Rochester developer, Buckingham Properties, recently announced plans to rehabilitate this underutilized industrial building at 739 South Clinton Avenue. Located on the edge of the vibrant South Wedge neighborhood, Buckingham has dubbed the project the “Edge of the Wedge.” This 40,000 square foot building was constructed in 1897 for Gundlach Optical Company and was the long-time warehouse for C.P. Ward Company. Rehab plans call for mixed use—residential and retail.
Member Profile: GLENN KELLOGG by Wayne Goodman, Executive Director
You are not originally from Rochester. Where are you from?
I’m not, but my wife, Jenny, is a native Rochesterian. We moved to Rochester several years ago. I grew up in suburban Washington, DC. After a stint in London, I realized you can actually live without a car. I decided to devote myself to improving lives by making communities more livable.
Education?
I graduated from the University of Virginia, where I studied foreign policy and history. After spending some time in London, I returned to the United States to attend graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, where I studied urban planning, focusing on urban design, construction methodology, real estate finance and sustainability.
I believe you lived in the Pacific Northwest for a few years, right?
Yes, I practiced urban real estate in Seattle and Portland, Oregon before returning to the Washington area to launch an urban planning firm, Urban Advisors. I opened the east coast office and worked with communities to become more sustainable through smart economic growth and quality design and planning.
How do you feel about Rochester and western New York’s potential?
I believe America is facing a shortage of walkable places, and Rochester is well-suited to offer a high quality of life. However, we must have a vision that places our historic fabric into the context of a modern and vibrant environment. Preservation is often contentious, this proves it is important to people. Our old buildings and streets embody what we were and who we are—it’s how we identify ourselves.
Along that note, how do you believe preservation impacts economic growth, particularly revitalization?
I place a high value on the construction methods of the past. We used to know how to build things better. We can’t afford to build the kind of quality that was historically constructed. I view preservation as an absolute key component to urbanism and to holistic economic growth. Historic preservation is a portion of a larger strategy to engage people with community. Too often, a grand historic building is taken down in the name of progress and all the community gets in return is a parking lot. It is hard to conceive of downtown revitalization without historic preservation.
I’m sure many have heard of your new project, Hart’s Local Grocers. Do you identify this as a preservation project?
Absolutely. We are using a historic building, and it is being repurposed from a repair shop to a retail food store. By bringing a grocery store back to this neighborhood, we are improving the quality of life for the residents in the old neighborhoods around us. Returning an important use to this part of town will allow us to live with a little less driving. Preservation is usually about buildings, but we are preserving ideas, too.
You are quite active in the community and with The Landmark Society. Why?
I first met The Landmark Society’s Executive Director, Wayne Goodman, at a public meeting. Our shared perspectives prompted me to join right away. I’ve served on several committees within the organization. I am now excited and honored to begin my tenure as a member of The Landmark Society’s Board of Trustees. My interest, passion and training align quite well with The Landmark Society’s core mission.
So, why is it so important for people to join and support The Landmark Society?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I don’t know of any other organization that is doing more to advance a progressive vision for Rochester and western New York. The Landmark Society is leveraging our community’s historic resources to shape a bright, livable, walkable and meaningful future for our city and entire region. Join Now. And if already a member, support the organization enthusiastically. SUMMER 2014
13
Silver Lake Historic preservation recognizes and protects the unique characteristics of an area. It helps maintain that “sense of place” as it protects the unique characteristics of an area that foster a genuine attachment in people. Education Associate Sharon Pratt reflects on her unique place – Silver Lake
Silver Lake, an hour southwest of Rochester, is one of Wyoming County’s hidden jewels. It is a small lake, just 2.5 miles long. Located outside the village of Perry, the lake sports many attractions including a NY State Park boat launch, a large marina, the Batavia YMCA camp, a pioneer museum, a restaurant and cottages of all sizes and architectural styles. But the most interesting gem of Silver Lake is the Silver Lake Institute and Asbury Retreat Center, where some of you may remember going to summer camp.
Our cottage was built in 1906 and must have been a rental, as many people signed the walls. From our front porch we can see around the lake. In early morning kayakers are out and fishermen drift by in their bass boats. Midday we see personal watercraft and skiers, and in the evening pontoon boats cruise by. Cottage owners may join the Silver Lake Association which monitors the water and July 4th is the annual ring of fire followed by spectacular fireworks. Silver Lake has been the site of many memorable experiences— even almost 160 years ago. One summer evening in 1855, some men were fishing and a huge serpent rose from the water near their boat. The terrified men hastily rowed to shore and reported what they had seen. Word spread and people travelled from great distances to spot the serpent. Tourism boomed at Silver Lake and the Walker Hotel, like all of the others, was full. Some say the serpent was spotted again and others say it was only the one time. Time passed and the Walker Hotel burned. Among attic remains they found a huge painted canvas serpent with tubes and bellows attached. Mr. Walker and his friends did some great marketing to fill the local hotels!
“Silver Lake we love thy beauty, Bright the glories shine. Sweet and fair the gentle breezes, Neath the oak and pine.”
Our cottage, along with 200 others, is on the Silver Lake Institute grounds, a remarkable and historic summer community located just south of the village of Perry, off Route 39. Characterized by its treeshaded streets and distinctive architecture, this property was purchased in 1873 by the Methodist Genesee Conference to be used as a revival camp. Camp Wesley was busy with campsites, restaurants and large public buildings for lectures. I read in some minutes that “the women were tired of camping” and wanted cottages, so many were built for rental and ownership. In the 1880s, Chautauqua style programs were added. A train brought visitors to the Institute where they painted in the art gallery, had speakers in the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) hall and heard lectures in the huge, barn-like Epworth Hall. These buildings remain in use. Epworth Hall, Hoag Art Gallery and many of the picturesque, 19th-century cottages are listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. 14
SUMMER 2014
(1937)
Visitors are still welcome to Silver Lake to stroll on the grounds of the Silver Lake Institute and admire the Victorian architecture. It’s a lake-side setting reminiscent of the renowned Chautauqua Institute - a similar summer community—located near Jamestown, New York. See the calendar on page 16 for information on a free talk at Silver Lake on August 2nd!
Writers & Landmarks: Personal and Pithy.
MY WARNER CASTLE ODYSSEY
definition of odyssey is ‘a long journey full of adventures.’ What an apt description of my experiences. I have been fascinated (some would say obsessed) by the historic Warner Castle estate for many years. I had become aware of the Castle, the grounds, and the mysterious DeForest Sunken Garden structure during my initial venture into garden volunteering ‘just down Mt. Hope Avenue’ at The Landmark Society’s Ellwanger Garden. Ellwanger first opened to the public in 1982 and – I was hooked! I loved all of it – the history, the old garden’s tenacity, the people I met and worked with. The horticulturist put up with my barrage of questions week after week. Volunteering at Ellwanger was endlessly satisfying and I had the added bonus of escorting visitors during special events. I volunteered there for several happy seasons. A phone call in the mid 1990s brought me to the Rochester Civic Garden Center, a non-profit horticultural educational organization chartered by New York State; RCGC has had its headquarters in Warner Castle since 1964. One of the trustees asked me to help her plan their annual symposium. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the first step of my Castle journey. A brief history of the property: In the 1850s Ellwanger’s ‘soonto-be’ neighbor, H.G. Warner, built the Castle for his family home. The estate we see today was defined during the tenure of Frank and Merry Dennis; they purchased the property in 1912. The general layout has survived since at least 1930 when widowed Merry Dennis hired noted landscape architect Alling DeForest to design the Sunken Garden. It’s presumed he planned the Courtyard and influenced the overall layout of the estate. (He also designed the portions of the George Eastman House gardens that were restored in the late 1980s.) The Castle and grounds have been part of Highland Park since 1951, in turn part of the Monroe County Parks system. In the 1950s, after the Parks Department purchased the property, the Parks’ horticulturists used the beds as trial grounds for hundreds of perennials and shrubs. The Rochester Civic Garden Center (non-profit horticultural educational organization chartered by N.Y.S.) has had its headquarters in the Castle since 1964. The attention the property has received has waxed and waned during the intervening years – always dependent on limited manpower and volunteer resources.
DRAWING COURTESY OF MARK PAYTON
M e r r i a m - We b s t e r ’s
By Milli Piccione Fast forward to 2004. During a casual conversation the director of RCGC asked if I would be interested in ‘sprucing up’ the Castle’s front entry gardens. ‘Absolutely!’ Little had I realized just how much I wanted to be part of the revitalization of this once glorious estate.
In the past two years RCGC, working with Monroe County Parks, has developed a long-range plan to revitalize the property. To understand and spearhead this process I needed to educate myself; I started examining and collecting any and all history I’ve been able to find. RCGC’s library provided me with a solid starting point. I’ve always liked jigsaw puzzles – finding the ‘pieces’ is endlessly fascinating and challenging (and, at times, extraordinarily frustrating). Fortunately, there are historic studies and a smattering of images from the 1930s onward. Each question answered adds another bit of clarity; every person I’ve contacted has offered additional leads. This lovely place has led me to connect with many people, all willing to help gather the puzzle pieces. A visual and written history are slowly emerging. In addition to garden planning and working with the volunteers, I give tours at special events. The DeForest Sunken Garden is, by far, the most distinctive and elaborate outdoor feature of the estate. I’m fascinated by this unique structure, but most intrigued by its relationship to the surrounding gardens. I like to imagine what it would have been like to live at the Castle – I trust the parties in the Sunken Garden were fabulous! It’s especially alluring at dusk. The most dedicated group I have the privilege of working with are the stalwart RCGC volunteers; they have labored in the gardens for many seasons. Through their dedication and hard work, the gardens are flourishing. I believe we pay homage to those who have come before us – the owners, Alling DeForest, the gardeners, all who have loved and cared for this unique building and its enchanting property. We are helping the visitors of today and tomorrow, and ourselves, experience 160 years of history as we admire the Castle, explore the gardens, and appreciate the distinctive DeForest Sunken Garden. I am delighted and honored to be part of this Castle’s odyssey. Milli Piccione owns and operates Perennial Designs (garden design|consultation|maintenance). She lives in the Mt. Hope garden district of Warner Castle|Highland Park, Ellwanger Garden and Mt. Hope Cemetery. She is an incurable volunteer. SUMMER 2014
15
CALENDAR For additional and up to date information on all of our events, visit www.landmarksociety.org or subscribe to our 3 times a month e-newsletter at the same location.
MAY MAY 3 Old House Identification & Preservation talk by Cynthia Howk. A part of the Home Sweet Home series at Rundel Library. 1:00 p.m. - Kate Gleason Auditorium, 115 South Ave, Rochester. MAY 4 Historic Architecture in Webster talk by Cynthia Howk. “Historic Preservation Month” program at Harmony House, 3:30 p.m. - 58 E. Main St., Webster. Free. MAY 10 - 19 Ellwanger Garden NEW hours during The Lilac Festival Monday - Friday Twilight time – 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 625 Mt. Hope Ave. Donations accepted. MAY 31 AND JUNE 1 Ellwanger Garden Peony Weekend 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 625 Mt. Hope Ave., Rochester.
JUNE JUNE 7 - 8 Our 44th Annual House and Garden Tour See page 8 for more details or visit landmarksociety.org TICKETS: $22 in advance ($18 for members). JUNE 6, 20, 27 Free “Architecture for Lunch” Tours See page 2 for these free tours. JUNE 21 Buffalo Frank Lloyd Wright Trip Call (585) 546-7029 ext. 11 to see if space remains.
JULY JULY 15 Full Moon Flashlight Tours See page 3 for information on this family event. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Stone-Tolan House Historic Site, 2370 East Ave., Brighton. 16
SUMMER 2014
AUGUST AUGUST 2 Historic Silver Lake & Its Architecture slide talk by Cynthia Howk. 7:00 p.m. - Epworth Hall at Silver Lake Institute, Chapman Rd. (off Route 39), Perry, NY. Free. AUGUST 12 Full Moon Flashlight Tours See page 3 for information on this family event. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Stone-Tolan House Historic Site, 2370 East Ave., Brighton.
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 12 - 13 - NEW DATES! Inside Downtown Tour
See page 3 for information on this event. SEPTEMBER 15 - 18 Gilded Age Estates, Grand Gardens & Mountain Vistas
Hudson River Highlands Trip. We’ll see Montgomery Place, FDR’s “Springwood” home, Mohonk Mountain House and more! See back cover for information. Call (585) 546-7029 ext. 11 or visit landmarksociety.org to register.
SAVE THE DATES! OCTOBER 24 - 25 Ghost Walk – one weekend only!
Exceptional Service Outstanding Solutions Sustainable Results
19,000 sq ft of antique, vintage and modern materials that can add character and charm to any project. Shop the best organized, inventoried warehouse of architectural salvage in the upstate area.
Historic Restoration and Innovative Re-use Preserving the Past for a Better Future
www.passero.com 242 West Main Street, Suite 1000 | Rochester, NY 14614 | 585.325.1000
469 Ridge Road West , Rochester, NY 14615 - near Dewey There are driveways at both ends of the building to access parking
www.ReHouse.com 585-288-3080
Preservation. An investment that benefits us all. We salute the work of The Landmark Society of Western New York.
Hugh Hamlin Senior Vice President– Wealth Management 585-218-4500 hugh.a.hamlin@ubs.com 400 Linden Oaks Rochester, NY 14625
We will not rest
As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. ©UBS 2014. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. 7.11_Ad_BW_3.75x4.75_RA0312_HamH Please visit our website at http://financialservicesinc.ubs.com/wealth/E-maildisclaimer. html for important disclosures and information about our e-mail policies. For your protection, please do not transmit orders or instructions by e-mail or include account numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, or other personal information.
SUMMER 2014
17
Non-Profit Organization PAID Rochester, NY Permit No. 1759
133 South Fitzhugh Street Rochester, New York 14608-2204 Executive Director Wayne Goodman Director of Public Programs Cindy Boyer Associate Director of Preservation Larry Francer Horticulturist Beverly Gibson Community Relations Associate Carolyn Haygood Membership Associate Norma Jean Hildreth Architectural Research Coordinator Cynthia Howk Director of Finance Andrew Lambrix Preservation Planner Caitlin Meives Education Associate Sharon Pratt Stone-Tolan Tour Guide Judith Trabert Office and IT Associate Anika Lindquist Landmarks Editor & Designer The Verdi Group, Inc.
T RAV EL WI T H T H E L A N DM A RK S OC I E T Y T H I S FALL! LAST CALL TO REGISTER! Gilded Age Estates, Grand Gardens & Mountain Vistas: Four Centuries of History, Architecture & Spectacular Scenery in the Hudson Valley.
September 15-18 Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of America’s most historic areas. Join Executive Director Wayne Goodman for this four day-three night tour of the Hudson Highlands. Experience great estates, elegant gardens, picturesque vistas, quaint villages, exceptional cuisine, the world-class Mohonk Mountain House Hotel and more! To register for this trip, call (585) 546-7029 ext. 11 or visit our website at Landmarksociety.org
Follow Us!