LANDMARKS FALL 2015: VOLUME LIII, NUMBER III
THE LANDMARK SOCIETY OF WESTERN NEW YORK
WWW.LANDMARKSOCIETY.ORG
OCTOBER 2ND & 3RD
CONTENTS This magazine 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. and this issue was designed by Darren Cotton.
ADDRESS
133 South Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, New York 14608
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Feature Inside Downtown
The Inside Downtown Tour (IDT) opens up urban environments where people are creating exciting spaces to live and work! Inside Downtown Tour
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Projects & Places Preservation Scorecard
19th Ward Historic Districts St. Joseph’s Park Report Five to Revive Update 19th Ward
8-13
WHERE THE #&@% AM I?
Events Cape May
PHONE / FAX
Ghost Walk
P: (585) 546-7029 F: (585) 546-4788
Save the Dates
info@landmarksociety.org
Preservation Conference Recap Cape May Tour
WEB
www.landmarksociety.org
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House & Garden Tour Recap Calendar
People Member Profile
Summer Interns Helen Ellwanger portrait 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.
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The YUP-date Writers & Landmarks Membership Info YUPs Siding “Strip” Tease
Legacy Society
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8 9 9 12 12 13
15 16 16 17 18 19 19
BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Jeffrey Pollock VICE PRESIDENTS Preservation Tom Castelein
Development Mary Z. Nicosia
Education & Properties Mimi Freund Tilton
Finance & Treasurer Jim Marasco
SECRETARY Anthony Bellomo AT LARGE JoAnn Beck Drew Costanza Glenn Kellogg Bleu Cease Jean France Sandra Frankel Andy Germanow Hugh Hamlin Kate Karl Jerry Ludwig Lee Lundback
Bill Moehle Carol S. Mullin Louis P. Nau Ed Olinger Delores Radney Jason Roberts Richard Sarkis Jeffrey Skuse Burt Speers Bill Sullivan Beth Teall Stacey VanDenburgh
HONORARY TRUSTEES 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 Sally McGucken Paul Nunes Andy Olenick Sherri Olenick Ann B. Parks Richard Reisem Jon Schumacher Marion Simon John Thoman Joanne VanZandt Sterling Weaver Houghton D. Wetherald Henry W. Williams Jr. Arlene Wright Vanderlinde Mr. James Yarrington Mr. Craig Zicari
STAFF 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 PROPERTIES TECHNICIAN Quentin McGee PRESERVATION PLANNER Caitlin Meives EDUCATION ASSOCIATE Sharon Pratt STONE-TOLAN TOUR GUIDE Judith Trabert
From the Director
One of my professional mentors told me years ago that preservation is about people. Often it becomes tempting to reduce historic preservation to design, architecture, economic development or any number of disciplines that we tackle on a daily basis. But, simply put, preservation is all about people. When we view our organization’s mission and our daily work, it becomes increasingly clear that The Landmark Society has always focused on building and sustaining communities, a respected legacy that is now approaching eighty years. We build our regional communities on incredibly powerful and dynamic pasts. It can be a challenge to describe how we go about saving our irreplaceable heritage; it can be a confusing mix of legalities, real estate, fund raising, advocacy and legislation. Some people might label what we do as history. Perhaps some are more apt to describe our work as architecture. I, however, believe that it is virtually impossible to frame our work in such a limited scope. Preservation is an art, but it is also a science. It is a recipe often requiring architecture, history, economics, planning and a host of other ingredients. Specific preservation projects vary on the amount of ingredients needed, but the one factor that is always consistent is that preservation yields positive impacts on people. It makes our lives better. It saves our past. It will make our futures brighter. One only needs to look at the recent work in Rochester and our region to see, firsthand, the influence that preservation has in creating strong and vibrant communities. Adaptive use is commonplace in our region. Downtown Rochester is experiencing unprecedented investment, with a mix of historic rehabilitations and new
construction that are creating jobs and a sustainable urban core. Our small villages and towns are depending on their own historic assets to create an authentic sense of place. Whether it is Rochester, Pittsford, Brighton, Seneca Falls, Perry or Clarendon, preservation is making its impact across western New York. We are fortunate to have a wealth of historic resources, and these historic resources offer us the opportunity to set our communities apart. They give us a unique venue allowing human interaction with design and heritage, upgrading our quality of life and making our region attractive in an increasingly competitive world. The Landmark Society’s advocacy, programming and direct preservation services facilitate countless projects to move forward. Just as preservation depends on people, The Landmark Society is only as strong as the people who work and sustain our mission. Our supporters not only define our work, you define our very existence. As always, I thank you all for that loyal and continued support that facilitates everything we do.
Wayne Goodman Executive Director
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Projects & Places
PRESERVATION SCORECARD
Keeping score? We are - here’s the latest on several preservation issues around the region.
by Caitlin Meives
SAFE
Corpus Christi, 880 E. Main St., Rochester A ribbon-cutting was held in July to mark the completion of the Market Apartments at Corpus Christi. The redevelopment of the former Corpus Christi School involved rehabilitation of the historically significant portion of the building located closer to Main Street and the addition of a new wing on the rear of the historic building. Apartments are designed specifically for artists with room for studios and galleries.
TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Clark-Keith House, Village of Caledonia, Livingston County Listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, this magnificent Federal style limestone residence in the village of Caledonia was originally constructed c. 1827 as a tavern that provided lodging for travelers journeying to western New York on Route 5. The property has been vacant and on the market for over a year. Although extensive architectural details remain intact throughout (including a ballroom, archways, fireplaces and decorative woodwork), the house requires significant repairs and investment.
TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Crusoe House, Town of Savannah, Wayne County Reportedly the oldest remaining building in the Town of Savannah, this severely deteriorated house faces a bleak future if it is not stabilized soon.
OUT
660 W. Main St., Rochester In our last issue, we reported to you that this former church and German social hall was still “too close to call.” The owner had not met the conditions put forth by the City of Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals in order to obtain a demolition permit. Unfortunately, on the night of June 26, the building was destroyed by fire. What remained was demolished within a few days. Although this building has been lost, The Landmark Society will continue to work with the City of Rochester to update and overhaul the City’s Designated Buildings of Historic Value List, which included 660 W. Main, also included on our 2014 Five to Revive list.
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The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
19th Ward Gets Four New Historic Districts! by Caitlin Meives
Tax Credits can cover 20% of rehab costs
We could not be more pleased to announce that the 19th Ward Neighborhood in the city of Rochester now boasts four historic districts that are listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The new districts encompass over 1,550 properties and include: the Inglewood & Thurston Historic District; the Arvine Heights Historic District; the SibleyElmdorf Historic District; and the ChiliWest Historic District. This momentous achievement could not have been accomplished without our partners at the 19th Ward Community Association and, of course, generous funders: the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Preservation League of New York State, the Rochester Area Community Foundation and donations from neighborhood residents.
TKS Historic Resources in Babylon, NY to complete the extensive research and paperwork.
With this funding, we were able to hire preservation consultants from Preservation Studios in Buffalo, NY and
Congratulations to the 19th Ward and thank you to our funders!
Homeowners in the districts can now take advantage of the New York State Historic Homeowner Tax Credit Program, which provides tax credits worth 20% of qualified rehab expenses. Along with the State and Federal programs for commercial properties, this tax credit program is an important tool in fostering community revitalization.
The Chili-West Historic District
The Sibley-Elmdorf Historic District
Contact us at The Landmark Society or visit the New York State Historic Preservation Office’s website at www.nysparks.com/shpo to learn more about this important program.
The Arvine Heights Historic District
St. Joseph’s Park Report by Larry Francer On Monday, June 29, 2015, the day we re-opened the gates, another season at our beautiful urban park was trumpeted (literally) with a lovely Sunset Concert. Emlyn Johnson, co-director of the Sunset Concert series, which has added St. Joe’s to its concert locations, summed up their second concert perfectly, “we had a fantastic turnout for the concert on Friday with about 100 people in attendance at St. Joseph's! All went super well, and it was just another magical evening, with the breezes blowing and the birds chirping alongside the music.” A Summer and Fall filled with additional concerts, Out &
Equal’s 2nd Thursday networking event, wedding photo shoots and ceremonies and The Yards’ highly anticipated Spectral Carnival, just proves how committed our many partners are in programming this unique spot on Pleasant Street. The Landmark Society and Rochester Downtown Development Corporation welcomed many of these partners along with additional stakeholders and neighbors to our “Open House” event on July 24th. We were quite pleased with the turnout and received very useful feedback on additional uses and community interest in this truly magical space.
An evening social event at St. Joseph’s
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Projects & Places
Five to Revive by Larry Francer As we work on our third Five to Revive list, The Landmark Society will reflect on the impact that the designation has had on our past sites. One question that the Five to Revive committee always considers: Is there a strong local organization leading the charge to save or rehabilitate this building? Is there support in that community that can increase the chances of a successful revival?
Is there a strong local organization leading the charge to save or rehabilitate this building? In the case of The Sampson Theatre, in Penn Yan, from our inaugural 2013 list, the PENNsylvania YANkee Theatre Company (PYTCo) was definitely a plus for this historic theatre. PYTCo was gifted the theatre in 2004 and has been working on a strategic plan with Bero Architecture
PLLC and forming a partnership with Keuka College, which should take the plans for renovation to a new level soon. After their inclusion on the list was announced, representatives of PYTCo and Bero met with Landmark Society staff to strategize the future of the project. A successful application to The Landmark Society Preservation Grant Fund program helped complete fundraising for a strategic plan. The Sampson Theatre was well on its way to success. And then the floods came. Along with all the other brave citizens of Penn Yan, volunteers worked tirelessly to keep the Sampson from succumbing to the raging waters. And most recently, new drawings were presented by Bero for renovation of the theatre and plans for expansion and an addition. We applaud the hard work of all our partners with the PENNsylvania
Landmark Society, Bero Architecture staff and PYTCo representatives
Rendering from Bero Architecture PLLC
YANkee Theatre Company and look forward to the applause that will fill the Sampson Theatre in the future.
WHERE THE &@% AM I?
™
by Larry Francer With the YUPs taking the lead on this project, we were sure to have a wildly successful re-launch event. And they didn’t let us down. With a crowd of over 50 supporters enjoying the fare from Cure and libations using Black Button Distilling spirits and Rohrhach Brewing Company’s beer (three of our newer additions to the program) on August 5th, our coaster project is now the talk of the town. We do want to highlight and applaud one of our original locations, which is also our only out of town location – the American Hotel in Lima. Just a quick 30 minutes from Rochester, small village hospitality abounds as you walk back in time at this historic building, which the Reynolds family has been operating since 1920. When you belly up to the bar, you’ll be greeted by Pat and Rose Reynolds, the siblings that are in charge this generation.
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While many of the coaster locations have good food, the selection of soups, which Rose has created and brought to the menu, is second to none. A bowl of soup, grilled pretzel roll and the complimentary cookies are sure to bring you back to this hidden village gem time and time again. We’ve added three new locations to the program, beefed up the website and produced some fun schwag to promote the historic bars and pubs who are joining us in the coaster program and always creatively answer the question:
WHERE THE #&@% AM I?™
The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
The American Hotel in Lima
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 ubs.com/fs
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_5.5x8_RA0417_HamH
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Spotlight on The Smith The Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY is one of the State’s finest examples of historic preservation and restoration. Enjoy year-round programing at The Smith and at a variety of intimate venues with the Smith Center for the Arts Club Series. For more information visit thesmith.org
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Events
Cape May: America’s Oldest Seaside Resort
Monday, September 12 through Thursday September 15, 2016 by Cindy Boyer It has one of the most concentrated collections of charming late 19th century buildings, a veritable Victoriana wonderland. The entire area is designated as a National Historic Landmark District with over 600 contributing structures. Did we mention the sea, the seafood and the incredible historic resort hotel? Join our executive director Wayne Goodman and Landmark staff in Autumn 2016 as we explore historic Cape May, New Jersey. On this four-day 3-night trip you’ll experience delightful streetscapes, beaches and refreshing sea air while exploring historic sites and indulging in delicious shore dinners. We’ll stay at Congress Hall, a Cape Resort. A destination in its own right, this beachside site has welcomed resort guests for almost two centuries, with the current building constructed in 1878. A favored destination for the Victorian summering socialites of New York and Philadelphia, it so impressed famed composer John Phillip Sousa that in 1882 he wrote the “Congress Hall March” in its honor. During the early decades of the 20th century the resort fell into disrepair. Unlike other large Cape May hotels it escaped demolition and replacement by modern motels. In the late 1990s Congress Hall underwent an extensive renovation and reopened in 2002, once again showcasing its former glory.
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Tour Activites Include: • A trolley tour of the historic district, giving you a close up look at some of those 600 elaborate gingerbread decorated Victorian houses on the island. • A two hour narrated cruise around the island of Cape May, seeing historic sites from the water, and perhaps spotting dolphins or even a whale. • A visit to the fully-restored 1859 Cape May lighthouse. Climb the tower for the view or enjoy the exhibits in the ground level Oil House orientation center. • A tour of The Physick Estate (attributed to famous architect Frank Furness) Built in 1879 in the Stick Style and restored to its original grandeur, we’ll visit the house and the exhibit gallery. • A visit to the Southern Mansion, an opulent 1860 Italianate set among over an acre of award-winning gardens. The largest bed and breakfast in Cape May, they are opening the doors for our tour. • A walk along Washington Street Mall, one of the first and most successful “pedestrian only” shopping streets, closed off to vehicles in 1972. It’s comprised of small, independent shops (many family-owned) in historic structures – the epitome of small town shopping. • A living history presentation by the composer himself, Mr. John Phillip Sousa.
The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
You’ll also have time to stroll the beaches of Cape May or perhaps indulge in a visit to the spa at our Congress Hall hotel. As usual on a Landmark trip, our dining experiences will be at interesting and historic locations. They will give you the wide scope of Cape May dining experiences, from fine dining to beach casual to an elegant Twinings Tea Room supper.
What’s included: • 3 nights’ accommodation • All meals (from Monday lunch through Thursday lunch) • Deluxe motorcoach transportation • Taxes and gratuities • The company of Landmark Society executive director and staff.
Registration Registration deadline is June 1, 2016. Please note that in the past three years our tours have sold out well in advance of the deadline. Reserve your spot soon by calling (585) 546-7029 x 11 or download the registration forms at www.landmarksociety.org Member double Occupancy
$1,520
Nonmember double Occupancy
$1,720
Single supplement
$412
Congress Hall our historic resort destination
The Landmark Society Ghost Walk Is that house haunted?
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH
NEW THIS YEAR: A limited number of timed tour tickets will be available to all, not just groups. Tickets for this nighttime walking tour will be available the beginning of October. One weekend only, don’t miss out!
DETAILS: • Friday night October 23rd • Saturday night October 24th Tours start at Incarnate Word Lutheran Church, corner of East Avenue and Goodman Street. Advance tickets recommended, reserved tour times available. Tickets in advance will be $20 ($14 for members) and $25 at the door—if available.
SAVE THE DATES! Sunday, November 15th Sunday, December 6th
by Cindy Boyer If you have not attended Ghost Walk, you might think – aren’t Ghost Walks like a haunted house attraction? Or those tours where they try to summon spirits from the past? Or just for kids? You would be right on two out of three of those. Just for kids? That’s a definite “no.” Ghost Walk is enjoyable for anyone over the age of 8. Summoning spirits from the past? Yes, we do that. Our spirits are real people recently returned from the grave, who enthrall you with their experiences from the darker side of Rochester’s history. Haunted house? On the walk you’ll peer at amazing architectural exteriors under the cover of darkness – on the most unusual street in Rochester. We don’t know if they
are haunted by ghosts – but we promise you’ll be haunted by the experience. The Landmark Society’s Ghost Walk is a nighttime guided walking tour. Follow lantern-bearing guides down the dark streets of a historic neighborhood, encountering “the ghosts of Rochester’s past.” This is the 22nd year of the ideal combination of history, architectural wonders and a fun outdoor theater experience.
The Landmark Society The Landmark Society’s Preservation Awards Annual Jubilee Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 15 at 3:00PM for The Landmark Society’s Annual Awards event, which will again be held in the elegant surroundings of Rochester’s City Hall at 30 Church Street. The Awards Ceremony will be held in restored City Council Chambers on the third floor. A reception in the majestic Romanesque Revival atrium will follow. Please join us for this memorable event, as we honor the individuals, municipalities and organizations from our 9-county region that have completed outstanding preservation projects in western New York. www.landmarksociety.org
“Generations: Preserving, Sharing and Sustaining” Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 6th, 2015 at 6:00PM Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester • Music for your listening and dancing pleasure • Complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres • Exciting silent auction experiences • Special award presentations $40 for members, $50 nonmembers Tickets on sale November 2, more details in the next Landmarks!
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Events WINN DEVELOPMENT PROUDLY SPONSORS
The Landmark Society of Western New York’s 12th Annual
Inside Downtown Tour Washington Square and More!
by Cindy Boyer
The Inside Downtown Tour (IDT) opens up urban environments where people are creating exciting spaces to live and work. We visit repurposed spaces, renovated homes, lovingly preserved places and newly built sites that are designed with sensitivity to the overall built environment. Basically, we get you “in” on the latest urban living trends.
NEW DATES! ORDER NOW!
Friday, October 2nd: 5:30 - 8:30PM Saturday, October 3rd: 11AM - 4PM www.landmarksociety.org (585) 546-7029 x 11
Tour Neighborhood. We’ve wanted to bring IDT to Washington Square for some time, and have been patiently waiting as more places have been rehabbed in the area. Now is the time, with new residences, work spaces and retail that have opened within the past two years. The centerpiece is Washington Square Park. The land was donated in 1818 by early settler and real estate mogul Elisha Johnson. He hoped the county courthouse would locate here, and named “Court Street” in anticipation of having the center of the city adjacent to his lands. But Nathaniel Rochester got the courthouse on his side of the river. Now you know why we have a Court Street with no courthouse.
Courtesy of The Rochesteriat.
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The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
The landscaping of the current park was designed by the famed Olmsted firm of landscape architects. You’ve probably driven by it many times; this is your chance to take a closer look at a park named after our 1st president, with a statue featuring our 16th president, and a monument in memory of our 32nd president. If that is not enough, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the thousands who have gathered here for decades – from listening to Frederick Douglass in 1848 to commemorating the Civil War veterans in 1892 to current day protests and play days (dachshund parade, anyone?)
Capron Lofts When you visit this building, look at South Avenue and imagine it as the Erie Canal it once was, a hub of commercial shipping. It makes sense that this building was originally a warehouse on the canal. In the early 20th century a lithography company produced colorful seed catalogues here. Today it holds 19 coveted condominiums, with much of its industrial past highlighted in this respectful remodeling. Exposed brick, massive wood beams and sliding doors abound, as do other more subtle choices. One of the most prized features is the generous rooftop terrace, offering stunning views of downtown, the Genesee River and the Douglass-Anthony Bridge.
Geva Theatre Center Geva is an exemplary steward of this historic property. The original building was constructed in 1868 as the Naval Armory and converted to Rochester’s first Convention Hall in 1908. It’s been used as a center for political gatherings (FDR threw his hat into the gubernatorial ring here), musical performances (from opera star Enrico Caruso to prima ballerina Anna Pavlova) – and baseball! Rochester’s first professional baseball team held their spring training exercises here in 1877, until the weather permitted them to practice outdoors. Today it serves as the home to our professional theatre, featuring two performance areas. You may have been seated in the audience on your last visit
but during IDT you’ll get to go behind the scenes. You’ll also be among the first to see the newest renovations to the interior and learn what steps Geva has taken to maintain the historic integrity of this important building.
Artists’ Lofts at Woodbury Place Where do you live if you come to town to perform in a Geva production? Stay in a motel for 6 weeks? No longer – Artist Lofts are now available a mere 150 steps from the theatre. Part of the former Merkel Donahue building, 11 studio apartments are leased by Geva.
First Universalist Church With a well-deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places, this Claude Bragdon designed church was constructed in 1907 with Romanesque Revival influences. One of the most significant designs of this renowned architect, his signature decorative tiles can be found in the sanctuary as well as on the exterior.
Satellite Locations: At publication time we were working on additional sites for the tour. They are located in areas that won’t likely see enough sites to support a full tour in the near future – but we wanted you to experience the latest urban living sites. Be sure to check our website to discover all the exciting locations we’ll have on the 2015 tour.
IDT Headquarters Legacy Tower at One Bausch and Lomb Place. Buckingham Properties managing partner Ken Glazer released the following statement when the building was renamed last November: “The name Legacy Tower was selected to collectively pay tribute to Bausch + Lomb’s significant contribution to Rochester’s heritage and growth, as well as to honor Larry and Jane Glazer’s lasting legacy to the downtown Rochester landscape.” We couldn’t think of a better place to have our tour headquarters, as we celebrate the ongoing dynamic revival of our urban landscape.
Ordering Your Tickets Inside Downtown Tour Tickets are available online at www.landmarksociety.org and will be at Parkleigh by September 15th. Advance tickets are $25. Landmark members may purchase $22 advance tickets from Landmark Society only, online or by phone at (585) 546-7029 x 11. If tickets are available the days of the tour they will be $30 for all, at tour headquarters (Legacy Tower at One Bausch and Lomb Place) Last year’s tour was a sell-out!
Tour and Ticket Details
TITLE SPONSOR:
Your tour ticket will be good both Friday evening October 2nd and Saturday during the day of October 3rd. You may visit each tour stop one time, in any order that you desire.
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
What Happens Next
SILVER SPONSORS:
We’ll be announcing additional stops and social events connected to the tour as the date approaches. If you haven’t signed up for our eNewsletter, that’s the best way to get the latest information on the tour. Just go to landmarksociety.org and scroll down on the first page to subscribe. Then you’ll have the best information on how to get “in” on the Inside Downtown Tour.
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Events
Networking time at the conference
2015 New York Statewide Preservation Conference Recap by Caitlin Meives The 2015 New York Statewide Preservation Conference was a huge success! For the first time ever, we sold out! Along with our friends at the Preservation League of New York State, Preservation Buffalo Niagara and the NY State Historic Preservation Office, we welcomed over 300 attendees to the wonderful city of Geneva. With a pub crawl, dance performances, a film about art and community revitalization, a party in a historic barn and lots of great breakout and field sessions, this year’s Conference, The Art of Preservation, was truly one to remember.
Photo Credit: Matt DeTurck Rochester Colonial Presents:
P ai nti ng y o ur c o mm un i t y ’ s f ut ur e
We want to thank all of our sponsors, partners, speakers, attendees and our hosts at the Smith Opera House and in the city of Geneva. We hope you will all join us in 2016 as we shift east for a year. May 5-7th we’ll be partnering with Historic Albany Foundation, the Preservation League and the NY State Historic Preservation Office to bring the Statewide Preservation Conference to Troy and Albany.
TITLE SPONSOR:
2015 NEW YORK STATEWIDE PRESERVATION CONFERENCE - GENEVA, NY
The line was worth the wait
2015 House and Garden Tour Recap by Cindy Boyer The 2015 House and Garden Tour was the top! How could it not be? At “Living on the Hilltops: Highland Heights and Highland Avenue East” we had amazing homes, stewarded by such generous homeowners. We had a virtual army of over 200 incredible volunteers, hosting in the houses and managing the ticket sales. We had hard-working, dedicated House Captains recruiting and managing those hosts. Most of all, we had all of you – over 1,800 – who attended the tour, climbed or rode the golf cart up and down the hill, let us know what a marvelous experience you had and supported Landmark Society by purchasing tickets.
A special thank you to our Platinum and Silver sponsors for the 2015 tour:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
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SILVER SPONSORS:
The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
Events
CALENDAR: FALL 2015 Visit landmarksociety.org for more information SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
September 26 & 27 Cocktails & Carburetors plus Classics at the Hill – special event and reception
NOVEMBER DATE TBA Preservation Partners Round-Up A get-together of local supporters from communities throughout our region to meet and discuss current preservation issues, opportunities and challenges.
DECEMBER 6 Annual Jubilee “Generations” Celebration TIME: 5:00 – 9:00PM LOCATION: Memorial Art Gallery 500 University Ave., Rochester Tickets: $50.00 ($40.00/members)
Visit landmarksociety.org for details on this networking and educational opportunity.
See page 9 for details
See below for full details!
OCTOBER OCTOBER 2 & 3 Inside Downtown Tour See page 10 for full details! OCTOBER 17 19th Ward Annual House Tour One of Rochester’s most historic neighborhoods will highlight their rich and diverse architecture on this annual tour. Tour headquarters: Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee Street. Time: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
November 15 Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony and Reception TIME: 3:00PM LOCATION: Rochester City Hall, 30 Church Street All are welcome. Free of charge. See page 9 for details.
For tickets and tour information, go to www.19wca.org OCTOBER 23 & 24 Landmark Society Ghost Walk. A nighttime guided theatrical tour See page 9 for details!
Cocktails & Carburetors and Classics at the Hill It’s a special opportunity to view cars that are seldom accessible, meet their owners and enjoy two great social events celebrating unique automobiles. The weekend kicks off Saturday September 26 at 4:00 PM with an exclusive “Cruise-In” at Horsepower Motorworks, 825 Phillips Rd., Victor. Ticket holders who drive their exotic, classic and special interest autos will have preferred parking in a well-lit area adjacent to the shop. At 6:30 PM the “Cocktails and Carburetors” indoor party begins for all ticket holders at the adjacent car restoration shop. There will be live music, hearty hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and plenty of time to roam among cars stored, those at the Cruise-In and those undergoing restoration. A few cars will be for sale. Bid on silent auction items. The Cruise-In and party
by Larry Francer
will take place rain or shine. Sunday September 27 the fun continues with Classics at the Hill from 9 to 1. This will be the fourth annual invitational car show at Oak Hill Country Club. Vouchers (included in your ticket price) can be used for food service at this event. Rain date for the Oak Hill show is October 4th. Co-sponsored by The Landmark Society and Oak Hill Country Club, the event is limited to 125 tickets. Tickets are $125, and include the Saturday Cruise-In, the party and the Sunday Oak Hill show. The inaugural event sold out last year, so don’t wait. To check on ticket availability and make your reservation, call Carolyn Haygood at (585) 546-7029 x 11 or go to A weekend celebration of the automobile www.landmarksociety.org September 26 & 27
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Richard Margolis Art + Architectural Photography
585.473.0070 • www.richardmargolis.com
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The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
People
Member Profile Anthony Bellomo by Cindy Boyer Q Anthony, you’re a Landmark Society
Q So you don’t care if the tulips are red trustee as well as the chairperson of the or yellow? Inside Downtown Tour. How did you first Yes, I do! My design training taught me become involved with Landmark Society? to critique everything around me, and In 2008 I was approached to open my I’m afraid I have a strong opinion when it home for the Inside Downtown Tour. That comes to just about everything. was such a positive experience, I joined the tour committee the following year. Q How do you see the relationship between After serving several years, I was invited urban planning and historic preservation? to join the Board of Trustees. I felt it Is it cooperative, a truce, a conflict? was an honor to be asked to serve on the I don’t see it as a conflict at all. Good board, and it gave me the opportunity planning incorporates historic to be more involved in all of Landmark preservation. I don’t think preservation Society programs. stands in the way of moving forward. It helps enrich the urban fabric. Just look out Are you a Rochester native? the window of your Landmark office. You Q I’m from Seneca Falls, and growing up in can see a brick Greek Revival house, the a historic village had a big impact. We large scale mid-century design of the Civic were right in the core of the village, not Center complex and the Art Deco Wings on the outskirts, so I encountered that of Progress on the Times Square building. wonderful inventory of historic building That is what makes cities so interesting, stock every day. I always had an affinity the juxtaposition of different styles and for historic buildings, and found them eras. Cities evolve, it’s important that we interesting. It was a normal environment don’t freeze them. We keep what’s good, to me; it seemed natural – what you maintain the best of our past, while moving would expect to find around you. When forward at the same time. I moved away I experienced post World War II urban sprawl for the first time. It Q Who makes the decision on what is made me really value growing up in my the best? home town, with its link to the past and That’s not a decision for just one person. quality of craftsmanship. It’s so good that we have organizations like The Landmark Society populated by Q What brought you to Rochester? people with different backgrounds and Like many people, it was my first job. I points of view. I’m especially gratified graduated with a bachelor of landscape that the Young Urban Preservationists architecture degree, and started here in group takes a role in the Inside Downtown 2002 with a small landscape Tour and other Landmark activities. One architectural firm. of the things that made me want to be more involved in The Landmark Society I think of you as an urban planner, not a was, as a young professional, I wanted to Q landscape designer. encourage outreach to the next generation A landscape architect can go in a of preservationists. number of directions – residential design, environmental conservation Q What do you enjoy about chairing the (such as wetland restoration), large scale Inside Downtown Tour? planning projects, etc. I went in the urban I have lived in and around downtown for planning direction, as it focuses on the the past 13 years, and I’ve always been overall context and relationships between interested in seeing how it is an evolving, buildings, landscapes and the public ever-changing place. The tour helps bring realm. I have a particular interest in how attention to all of the positive reinvestment places are “stitched together”. As an urban and rehabilitation that is going on in planner I look at things in a broader scope; downtown. We get a cross section of the master plan rather than the details. attendees – from those who already live downtown to those who live a greater
distance away. They are not as familiar, and it gives them opportunity to see what the buzz is about. There is a common misconception – some people think of downtown as just a collection of office towers. Really, it’s a collection of urban neighborhoods – each with its own feel and character, and includes not only businesses but a significant number of residents – people who call that neighborhood home. I think it is really encouraging that there are a number of people (from young professionals to empty nesters) who are re-engaging with downtown. There is a whole generation of young adults that grew up in the suburbs, and didn’t have a connection with an urban environment. They don’t have those memories of Sibley’s or Midtown Plaza. They didn’t know downtown in its shopping heyday. It’s not about nostalgia. As a result, downtown is not going back to what it was – it is changing. This generation is central to influencing what that new downtown will be. We can’t underestimate the impact of the next generation (contributing along with other urban enthusiasts and organizations like The Landmark Society) to our urban core and the region at large. It’s impressive how many buildings have been rehabbed in a short timeframe – and there are constantly more coming online. I am extremely optimistic about the future of our community, and I’m really enjoying being a part of its evolution.
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People
Summer Internship Explores Regional Preservation Initiatives by Cynthia Howk
Intern Kelsey Liz Habla on South Fitzhugh Street in Rochester’s Third Ward Historic District
Portrait of Helen Ellwanger Created for Headquarters by Cynthia Howk
One of our most important goals as an educational organization is to prepare and encourage the upcoming generation of professionals who are beginning their careers in architecture and historic preservation planning. Our ongoing summer internship program over the past four decades has included students from some of the country’s foremost architecture and preservation programs, including Cornell, Harvard, Columbia and the Universities of Pennsylvania and Virginia. This summer’s Landmark Society intern has had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of preservation projects that include reviewing our covenant program for historic properties, photographing historic properties for our digital archives, compiling material for an online project with historic restaurants and researching information for our popular Home Work column in CITY Newspaper, which features historic houses for sale in Rochester.
For the sixth consecutive year, The Landmark Society is pleased to partner with Bero Architecture, PLLC, who sponsors the Bero-Howk Preservation Internship, a paid professional position for 10 weeks each summer. This internship selects a qualified college student to work under the guidance of the professional staff of both organizations to acquire further experience in the field of historic preservation, planning and design. This year’s Bero intern is Kelsey Liz Habla, a native of Fonda, NY and a fourth year student at the State University of New York/Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning. With previous internship experience at Thomas Jefferson’s “Poplar Forrest” Restoration Field School in Virginia, Kelsey had the opportunity to work with Bero staff on a number of preservation projects in our region that included the historic 1909, Gothic Revival chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery in Canandaigua and an early-20thcentury Tudor Revival fraternity house at Cornell University in Ithaca.
Thanks to the talents of Landmark Society member Philip Parr, we now have a lovely oil portrait of Helen Ellwanger (1885-1982), the founder of our organization. A retired Eastman Kodak Co. engineer, Caledonia resident Phil Parr is also an accomplished artist whose spacious studio is located in his restored 19th-century Italianate farmhouse. Here, he’s created many paintings – a number of which are copies of famous works of art, such as Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington.
A circa 1900 photo of Helen Ellwanger caught Phil’s eye when it appeared in a previous issue of The Landmark Society’s magazine. In talking with our staff, he discovered that there are only a few images of Miss Ellwanger in our archives. Subsequently, he volunteered to complete an oil portrait, based on the existing 1900 photo. Today, that charming portrait of Helen Ellwanger graces our headquarters, where it hangs in the reception area, on view to the many visitors who come to our offices in Corn Hill.
Artist Philip Parr and Landmark Society horticulturist Beverly Gibson view Helen Ellwanger’s portrait in the artist’s Caledonia studio
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The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
The YUP-date by Matthew Simonis The Young Urban Preservationists (YUPs) continue their work around the community by encouraging other young professionals to get involved with preservation and community revitalization. In July, we held our second annual Bikes, Beer, and Buildings event, which is a bicycle scavenger hunt around the city. This year’s hunt took participants to all four quadrants of the city and hit a variety of historic resources, including the former Temple B’Nai Israel on Joseph Avenue, the Frederick Law Olmsted designed Rose Garden in Maplewood Park and the newly opened Hilton Garden Inn downtown on Main Street in the former National Clothing Company building.
www.landmarksociety.org/yup
YUP
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In August, we hosted a Kickoff Party for The Landmark Society’s historic bar/pub coaster program, WHERE THE #&@% AM I?™. WHERE THE #&@% AM I?™ is a network of historic bars, pubs, and local watering holes. Through QR codes that can be scanned with your smart phone, the coasters at these establishments connect you, the patron, to a sampling of tidbits about the building you’re in. (See page 6 for more information.) Earlier this spring, we spent a very gratifying Saturday afternoon ripping vinyl siding off a historic home. Fellow YUP and old-house blogger, Christopher Brandt, recruited a few of us for our first
ever Vinyl Siding Striptease event. After a few hours, the original shingles were revealed in all their glory! Our friends at ReHouse Architectural Salvage hauled away the vinyl so that we could keep it out of the landfill. (Check out www. myperfectlittlemoneypit.com for more before and after photos.) Our work will continue in other areas as well as we continue to engage the next generation of preservationists. Please stay connected to our social media and website to find out about upcoming events.
www.facebook.com/YoungUrbanPreservationists
@YoungUrbanPres
YUP events: Bikes, Beers and Buildings on the left; Vinyl siding “strip” tease on the right
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Writers & Landmarks Personal & Pithy by Willa Carroll From 1974 to 1983, my father was Head Sexton at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. My father once told me: "I served the building." I heard reverence in this statement as I had experienced the grandeur of the physical place. I spent much time there in my youth, playing with my brother while my father was working. My parents are Buddhist, yet I experienced the church as a sacred space. I remember sun glowing through the late
nineteenth century and twentieth century stained glass. I remember the tall pipes of the organ, silent in the empty sanctuary. I recall climbing the bell tower with my father and seeing the eleven Carillon bells, cast in pure bronze. And I remember the kindness of Reverend Kim. He was always smiling and often gave cookies to my brother and me. My father speaks fondly of him and the Korean congregation that also gathered at the church. My poem
"My Father's Church" first appeared in the "Sacred Words" issue of Ilanot Review, an Israeli literary magazine. The poem is a tribute to my vivid memories of Third Presbyterian Church. Willa Carroll is an award-winning writer who has published in numerous journals such as Tin House, Tupelo Quarterly, and Narrative. She earned a MFA from Bennington College and lives in New York City with her husband.
Illustration by Mark Payton
My Father’s Church I spend my childhood in a church, yet never go on Sunday, the place hopping with Presbyterians, save when my father, the custodian, gets paged for a choked furnace. My brother & I follow him down into the bowels of the building, feeling heat far before the boiler room door. On the flights up, we hear hysterical cries, the minister's screaming in Korean after the window behind his desk blew in, smashing over his head, trapping him inside a jagged glass collar. As my father frees him, the minister keeps bowing in gratitude, ducking his head in quick nods, thank you, thank you, nearly grazing his jugular on the points as father cries, Stop, please! You’ll cut your throat! My brother & I clock long afternoons roaming the body of the building, racing down dim linoleum halls, climbing the steeple to touch the bronze bells, hiding & seeking in the forest of pews, believing for those hours, in the sanctuary as ours.
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The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org
People
The Landmark Legacy Society Recognizing Planned Gifts The Landmark Legacy Society recognizes those thoughtful individuals who have included us in their estate plans in the past, as well as those who are committing to do so today. The Landmark Society is extremely grateful for every gift that it receives regardless of the contribution’s size. Planned gifts in the form of monetary bequests or real estate are welcomed by the organization. The real estate need not be a historic property. When we do receive such a gift, we frequently place protective covenants on the property, ensuring that our community work is funded and that the historic property is protected. If you own such a property or are helping a loved one, friend or client with this process, we encourage you to call us directly to discuss your wishes and the details of the gift. Our staff would very much appreciate knowing about your intentions in advance
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
so that we can better prepare to receive such a bequest. Your intention can be kept anonymous if you wish. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Landmark Legacy Society, we only ask that you send us your intention in writing and include your current contact information. We would be pleased to list your name among our Landmark Legacy Society members and invite you to an annual social gathering solely for members of this select group. Please contact us if you would like to receive our planned giving brochure, or if you would like more information on the Landmark Legacy Society at (585) 5467029, extension 10. Thank you, in advance, for your thoughtful contribution and your interest in continuing our important preservation work for years to come.
Did you know membership dollars are a significant part of our operating budget?
Rob Goodling, a member of The Legacy Society and author of Corn Hill and its Arts Festival The First Forty Years, states “I chose to plan a gift of property. It insures that a proper steward will be found for my historic home in the future, and supports the vital work of The Landmark Society in preserving neighborhoods like Corn Hill.”
Please encourage friends and colleagues to join you in supporting the work we’re doing.
Join on our website at landmarksociety.org/giving or give us a call at (585)546-7029 x 16 and we’ll be glad to send you membership forms or sign you up on the spot.
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