Welcome to The Preservation League of Staten Island

S.R. Smith Infirmary (Staten Island Castle, endangered) It is fitting and appropriate that the ever-popular architectural style of the late nineteenth century hearkened back to the Middle Ages in Europe.  Mass production was taking hold in America and the artisan craftsmanship was slowly fading throughout the built environment.  Two British Writers and Artists helped bring about this popular architectural style:  John Ruskin and William Morris admired the individuality and the detailed styles of the Medieval artists of Europe. H.H. Richarsdon In America, Staten Island resident Henry Hobson Richardson took the lead in establishing this warm, rich old world style of architecture in many of the public buildings he designed, and in so doing, created a truly new American Style of Architecture.  Red Brick, Turreted Towers, Gothic Arches and Stained Glass Windows were just some of the components that graced the Romanesque Revival. ...

The idea for writing these essays about the iconography of Staten Island came to me while viewing I.N. Phelps Stokes' illustrious and voluminous  Iconography of Manhattan Island.   Phelps-Stokes was living at a time of rapid, progressive change in America, not seen since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The natural and built environment was irrevocably changed at unprecedented speeds within New York City during his lifetime.   Mr & Mrs I.N. Phelps Stokes painted by J.S. Sargent, 1897 This may have prompted him to document the iconic and historic structures that had been lost to the wrecking ball, and were in danger of succumbing to demolition.  His brother, Anson Phelps Stokes had a beautiful Mansion surrounded by specimen trees on Staten Island in New Brighton overlooking the harbor. This Gilded Age Mansion, sadly has been dismantled. Anson Phelps-Stokes Mansion, New Brighton, 1928 A sense of place and the ...

March-Rally starting at the Villa- Bard Avenue/Castleton Avenue to the SI Castle at Webster Avenue/Castleton Avenue .  Be there to save another Historic Site before it is too late!!  Saturday , November 19th at 10:30 a.m. This would be a pro-active attempt to save at least something and get more attention! Landmarks and countless officials have failed us for generations, it is a systemic problem we are facing, with the pending loss of these historic buildings. We hope we can count on each of you to rally your friends, family and co-workers to attend. Anyone unable to make the walk, can gather at the Castle.  CB 1 is meeting Thursday evening to discuss the SI Castle, so we will have updates soon. Councilwoman Debi Rose is trying to meet with Buildings and HPD on Wednesday also.

Inappropriate cleaning and coating treatments are a major cause of damage to historic masonry buildings. While either or both treatments may be appropriate in some cases, they can be very destructive to historic masonry if they are not selected carefully. Historic masonry, as considered here, includes stone, brick, architectural terra cotta, cast stone, concrete and concrete block. It is frequently cleaned because cleaning is equated with improvement. Cleaning may sometimes be followed by the application of a water-repellent coating. However, unless these procedures are carried out under the guidance and supervision of an architectural conservator, they may result in irrevocable damage to the historic resource. The purpose of this Brief is to provide information on the variety of cleaning methods and materials that are available for use on the exterior of historic masonry buildings, and to provide guidance in selecting the most appropriate method or combination of methods. Th...

I am pleased to report that our friend and colleague John Foxell, has received word from L.P.C. that his house at 29 Cottage Place will be up for designation October 25, 2011. Warren Reformed Church on Staten Island

As part of the celebration of the 350th anniversary of Staten Island's founding, Historic Richmond Town will present three tours led by Barnett Shepherd. The tours will feature Staten Island houses from the late 17th century to the second half of the 20th century. 19th CENTURY HOUSES OF DISTINCTION Before touring, Mr. Shepherd will speak about architect designed buildings, their prevalent styles, and the architects who practiced on Staten Island. Interior tours will be given of the Judge Jacob Tysen House (ca. 1835, Greek revival), 1 Pendleton Place (ca. 1864, Victorian style), 281 St. Paul's Avenue (1886, Queen Anne), and the William H. Townsend House (today's St. John's Villa Academy) (1846, Gothic revival). Meeting place: Historic Richmond Town parking lot to board van. PREPAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. PLEASE CALL SUE QUADRINO - 718-351-1611 , EXT. 240. $20.00 PER PERSON.

Wesley W. Kropp is an award winning jewelry designer and proprietor of Wesley Kropp Designs . From his historic and well appointed Stapleton Heights Second Empire home he designs one of kind jewelry creations for international clients and markets. Mr. Kropp’s superb design work has been featured in Town & Country , Architectural Digest , Vogue , Tiffany & Co. , Neiman Marcus , Saks Fifth Avenue , Gump’s , and the Horchow Collection . His editorial coverage and publicity is a result of collaborations with top designers and celebrities including: Jay Strongwater , Ivana Trump , Ann Hand , Joan Rivers , Princess Amanda Borghese , and numerous private clients. In addition, international corporate clients include Gori & Zucchi (Uno-A-Erre), Italy, and Prada , Thailand. His world wide background gives Mr. Kropp the ability to draw on a multitude of design aesthetics, which allows his talent to move from high luxury to equally beautiful more affordable jewelry. Formal post ...

Come Join us for a wonderful Autumn House & Garden Party with our host Ms. Joann Nelsen. Ms. Joann Nelsen, along with her late husband Paul Nelsen were founding members of the Preservation League of Staten Island. Her West Brighton house at 752 Delafield Avenue (1840 NYC Landmark Scott-Edwards house) was one of the first buildings on Staten Island to receive official landmark designation, shortly after the passing of the NYC Landmark law in 1965. Ms. Nelsen is a retired textile designer. Beginning in 1975 she created original patterns (both single and collections) for the home furnishings industry, including major sheet and towel companies such as Martex and Springs Mills, fabric and wall covering for houses including Schumacher/Waverly, as well as exclusive hand-painted fabrics for First Editions in NYC. Prior to 1975 she produced paintings included in various shows on the West Coast. Paul Nelsen was a ceramic designer who produced handmade pieces for showrooms in the home d...

After Thirty-Six years of stewardship of the Weir House, it is now up for Sale. Dr. and Mrs. Clifford B. Fisch have requested PLSI to advertise the sale to Historic and Preservation-Conscious Buyers. Please contact them at their tel. number: 917-705-5221 and mention that you saw the post on our website.

Vanderbilt Mansion

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise the awareness of historic preservation on Staten Island, the Preservation League of Staten Island (PLSI) is launching a new series titled “Artist and Architecture.” The series kicks off June 4 with a presentation in the Stapleton Heights home of Halina and James McCormack, a renowned art restorer and award-winning architect, respectively. As both part of the PLSI’s mission of education and a means for fundraising, Artist and Architecture will feature informal talks by local award-winning artists, designers and architects who exercise their talents in some of the Island’s historic and architecturally unique homes. These vintage buildings provide inspiration and ideas for their talented owners, who, in the course of the series, will speak on the joys and challenges of their respective trades. Three events are planned for this year: the spring program in the McCormacks’ 1870 mansion; a late summer/early fall visit to the West Brighton home of...

THE 2011 AWARDS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION The Preservation League of Staten Island is holding its annual PRESERVATION AWARDS ceremony on Saturday, April 16th starting at 1:00 PM at New Dorp Moravian Church, 2205 Richmond Road.  This program is a showcase for the love and vitality that Staten Island homeowners have for Staten Island.   Past awardees include Tottenville Historical Society, Westerleigh Civic Association, St. George Theatre, Sandy Ground Historical Society and the many homeowners and property owners who have restored their properties and saved a piece of Staten Island History for generations to come. The awards program will consist of a slide presentation of the winning houses and buildings, presentation of the bronze plaques and certificates, typically followed by comments from the winning owners and designers. I light luncheon will be served.  Purchase your tickets in advance. You can buy tickets on-line at $25 each with Pay-Pal or credit card. ...