Recently I had the great honor and pleasure to participate at the National Trust for Historic Preservation conference in Buffalo. For several years leading up to the conference I had been aware of efforts by the city to use preservation of historic building stock as a powerful tool in its re-invention and marketing. Nothing could truly prepare … Read more
When approaching Sagamore Hill, one is greeted by a remarkable view of Oyster Bay Harbor with Center Island in the distance. One approaches Sagamore Hill via a winding entrance road. This gives visitors a chance to see the house at a distance, while the occupants have a clear view of those approaching. A rock at … Read more
This pop-up park served as a space for performances, lectures, and public gatherings. Noted authors, artists, and innovators were invited to speak, give presentations, and occasionally to engage in debates. My colleague Mike Lydon invited me there. We connected a brief time and heard a debate between Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere, and … Read more
While in Central Park we saw banners doubling as wayfinding helping to orient people with the park. Having visited from Oyster Bay, we took significant interest in the wayfinding panel urging people to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall. Theodore Roosevelt’s father founded the American Museum of Natural History. In 1936 the Memorial Hall was … Read more
Have you heard of Oyster Bay, Long Island? The place where Theodore Roosevelt spent his summers as a youth, built his home (today Sagamore Hill National Historic Site), and later operated the “Summer White House”? Oyster Bay hopes to add some community planning innovations to its claim to fame. Over the past decade, the local … Read more
Huntington, New York, has a blend of landmark qualities and infill buildings supporting a vibrant downtown. The two and three-story buildings support a variety of uses. Revenue from upstairs space can help to make the ground floor more affordable for businesses to locate. Front gable buildings have roof that spans a large area creating space … Read more
Lewes is one of the unexpected pleasures on the Eastern Shore of Delaware. The first Dutch settlement on Delaware soil was located here. Founded in 1631, Zwaanedael (or Swaanendael meaning “Valley of the Swans”) was named by settlers Hoorn Kil in honor of the Town of Hoorn in Holland. The Dutch West India Company sent … Read more
This is a Charles II-style mansion with red brick and limestone details. The estate opened to the public in 1959. There are many scenic vistas such as this reflecting pond in the distance. A thatched roof cottage and the wildflower garden in front are very connected to nature. The round arch and gates with a … Read more
Inset panel with engraving of a photograph or drawing. Inscription says, “In the 1860’s, 14th Street near Union Square was called ‘Piano Row.’” Date of installation is 2002. The Andy Monument is an installation recognizing Andy Warhol. Finally, while visiting Madison Square Park we saw a temporary installation by Spanish artist Jaume Plesna’s. Echo is … Read more
April 20, 2011: Inwood, Manhattan—along with Bedford-Stuyvesant, The Bowery, Gowanus, Jackson Heights, and Mount Morris—was selected as one of the “Six to Celebrate” historic New York City neighborhoods by the Historic Districts Council (HDC), New York’s city-wide advocate for historic buildings and neighborhoods. “Six to Celebrate” is the HDC’s new annual advocacy program. The purpose … Read more