The Iconography of Staten Island

Historic Marker
In an ongoing series of Essays, I will focus on the iconography of Staten Island from different periods of its history, primarily highlighting the built environment, the planning of the streetscapes, the planning of its parks, its open spaces, woods, village centers and the impact of overdevelopment and the unispired city planning, exploitation of the natural areas and the "landscape pollution" that have had a deleterious effect on the once picturesque landscape of Richmond County. I will try to offer inspirational solutions to the overdevelopment that is plagueing Staten Island. Illustrations will demonstate existing neighborhoods with 'minimal' planning to areas and architecture that have utilized some of the historic hints that are still available on Staten Island. In many instances, it will be evident that some areas would be considered suburban strip-malls, and other areas as aesthetically beautiful structures and well-planned green spaces.

Rose and Crown Condos (2011)

This first essay will concentrate on the intersection of New Dorp Lane and Richmond Road, which was called Stone Ridge by the original Dutch settlers. This was a major village thoughout the 1700s where numerous Inns and Taverns bordered the King's Road (Richmond Road), including the Dutch Church which had its first meeting house here.


Rose and Crown Inn (1777)

For the Rose and Crown Condominiums (see photo above at left), the architect was sensitive to the historical memory of the intersection, allowing history to influence his or her choice in the architectural style of the structure.  A colonial revival aesthetic is used throughout the property.  Palladian windows, wide terraces, large moldings, and peeked roofs all add to the beauty of the intersection.  Vehicle parking has been creatively tucked under the structure off-street. A wide sidewalk and lush landscaping front the property along Richmond Road directly at the top of New Dorpe Lane.

Historic Marker Plaza
Across the street is a modern structure with a Colonial-inspired clock tower overlooking the original site of the Rose and Crowne Inn, the headquarters of the British generals during the Revolutionary War (see stone memorial above).  It is unfortunate that this historic structure was not saved.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Farms of the Past on Staten Island

Image
In conjunction with the Museum of the City of New York's Exhibit " From Farm to City: Staten Island, 1661-2012 " we will display some photos  (courtesy of The New York Public Library)  of old  farms on Staten Island   on our Blog . Agriculture played a distinctive and important part of Staten Island's economic growth, from Native Americans who farmed the land to the colonization of the Island by the Huguenots and the English. Farm life was a constant battle with nature, taming the landscape to create farm fields, the cutting of forests and the clearing and draining of the swamps and marshes for pasture for domesticated animals.  Horses were a dominant feature, used for the plowing and transport of produce. Many farms also had fruit orchards growing various types of apples, pears, peaches, and figs. Manhattan was the primary market for the 18th and 19th century Yeoman Farmer of Richmond County. The only remaining working farm on Staten Island is the Decker
Read more

The Scott-Edwards House (Port Richmond/West Brighton)

Image
Along with the lush grounds and gardens lovingly maintained by the owner, this Greek Revival house (renovations c. 1840) was originally built c. 1730 in the Colonial Dutch Farmhouse style.  This is truly a home out of the 18th century. The combined use of diverse building materials, including sandstone on the ground floor and wood clapboard on the upper half-story give this house its enduring charm.  The eyebrow windows under the eaves of the Portico make this an intriguing and mysterious structure.  The house sits on a parcel of land that was originally granted to Governor Dongan in 1677. The property was passed down to the Governor's nephew and then the investigation grows cold for the Revolutionary War period. Judge Ogden Edwards, the nephew of Jonathan Edwards (the famous American theologian noted for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"), then took possession of the house in the 1840s.  The Judge was also the cousin of the infamous Aaron Bur
Read more

Remembering Joann

Image
The Preservation League of Staten island and Cityline Dancers present: Remembering Joann A remembrance and celebration of the life of Joann Nelsen (1937-2013) Sunday, October 6, 2013, 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. at The Reformed Church on Staten island 54 Port Richmond Avenue Barnett Shepherd and others will show pictures of Joann, her textile designs, and her historic home, the Scott-Edwards house in West Brighton, a NYC designated Landmark.  Music in Remembrance performed by her friends Charles Sachs, Cellist,  Bill Martin, Pianist and Cityline Dancers led by founders Tom and Ellen Dailey All are welcome to participate in the dance. Refreshments will be served. For reservations please call PLSI at 718-980-1551
Read more