FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2006
Sometimes It’s About The Bigger Picture

In its June 5 editorial the Observer-Dispatch said the Landmarks Society "punted" this year by replacing its annual list of buildings worth saving with a broader observation that the architectural integrity of the entire city is endangered. That charge was unjustified and indicates not only that key points of the endangered city message were missed, but an important aspect of Landmarks’ mission is misunderstood.

Promoting the preservation of neighborhoods, districts and our community at large is as much a part of Landmarks’ work as saving individual buildings. We have played an active role in the successful preservation of such structures as Union Station and Old Main, but for those efforts to be successful in the long run, buildings like these cannot be island museums in a wasteland of decay and empty lots.

Communities that have benefited the most from revitalizing historic buildings have done so by addressing them collectively, as neighborhoods and districts, where common preservation standards apply. Property values are protected, support services are enhanced and further residential and commercial investment is attracted.

Area-wide thinking is an approach that finally seems to be getting more than lip service locally. In the impending power line crisis, for example, are we limiting our concern to how it will affect one or two houses? No, the focus is rightly on the broader impact this debacle will have on the neighborhoods and communities it will violate.

This concept applies to historic preservation as well. And not only is promoting it the right thing to do, the degree of demolition underway and the decay exhibited in the city makes this the time to do it. The article in Landmarks’ newsletter that announced our endangered city theme and led to a news story and the subsequent editorial in the Observer-Dispatch, explained how the theme encompasses the need for Utica to develop a vision and plan for revitalizing downtown that is superior to the urban renewal strategies of the 20th century, which largely failed not only in Utica but nationwide. Downtowns were devastated, neighborhoods and cultures were displaced, and the unique character of many cities was lost forever to misguided planning and the wrecking ball.

We need only look to our sister city, Rome, to see the difficulty of trying to recreate a downtown decades after urban renewal virtually obliterated it. A 21st century form of creeping urban renewal has us on a similar path.

Finally, the endangered city theme signals that everyone has a role in preserving our historic resources, not just those directly affiliated with a few well-known buildings. From Union Station to a small business in west Utica, Old Main to an irreplaceable 19th century home in north Utica, ours is a community worth saving, citywide.

Landmarks will always maintain a prioritized list of prominent buildings in danger of being lost. But sometimes the message we need to communicate is even more important than that. Sometimes it’s about the bigger picture.

OP/ED: Endangered Landmarks List Too Broad

Utica Observer-Dispatch
June 5, 2006

AT ISSUE: Protecting Utica's landmarks means setting priorities...

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF OPINION:
http://uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060605/NEWS05/606050306&SearchID

Landmarks Society Says Utica 'Endangered'

Utica Observer-Dispatch
May 31, 2006
By RENEE GAMELA

UTICA - Each year, the Landmarks Society of Greater usually selects 10 to 20 buildings in the area that are considered most endangered. This year, the list is a bit more extensive. "We have come to the conclusion the entire city of Utica is endangered," Landmarks Society President Michael S. Rizzo, wrote in an e-mail.

Harsh winters with many freeze-thaw cycles and years of consistent neglect of key private structures have created so many candidates, it forced the Landmarks Society to look at what is happening to the city as a whole, Rizzo wrote.

It is unusual for an entire city to be considered endangered, but the group has chosen neighborhoods throughout the city where it feels the architectural heritage is being destroyed. From Bagg's Square to Oneida Square, in West Utica and East Utica, even on Varick Street, which in recent years has seen much restoration, the list of endangered sites continues to grow.

Deeming the entire city endangered was not an easy decision, Rizzo said. "It was a tough thing to say and think about," he said. "It's not just tearing down things, it's adding appropriate things." Rizzo cited the power line that could be added throughout the Mohawk Valley would destroy residential neighborhoods.

Whose responsibility is it to reverse the society's conclusion? "It's everybody's," he said. "It's every citizen. That's what makes a city."

Areas of concern
Here is a brief description of endangered city sites, by neighborhood:
1. Rutger/Steuben streets - 1, 3 and 7 Rutger Park.
2. Bleecker/Mohawk streets - Meyda Tiffany block: scheduled demolition for parking.
3. Areas in Bagg's Square.
4. West Utica - Director's mansion at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center campus: compromised roof; Dixhurst building: extensive water in basement.
5. Downtown core - Columbia/Lafayette streets: commercial buildings.
6. Oneida Square - Oneida Castle: hole in roof; Knights of Columbus: leaking roof.
7. East Utica - Constant and repeated loss of both commercial and residential properties, and neighborhood character.
8. South Utica/Uptown - Loss of streetwall, strip mall going in at corner of Genesee Street and Auburn Avenue.
9. Varick Street - Pasquale's building: compromised roof and walls, codes violations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 30, 2006
Landmarks Society Releases 2006 Endangered Buildings List

Our Endangered City


It has been customary at this time of year for the Landmarks Society to publish our annual list of “Buildings Worth Saving” — a roster of between 10 and 20 architecturally and/or historically significant local structures in imminent danger of being lost through deterioration or neglect.

It is a list neither developed nor taken lightly.

In 2006, with entire blocks of downtown Utica facing demolition by the City, and the winter’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles exacerbating the effects of years of neglect to numerous key private buildings, we felt it essential to look at the bigger picture of what is happening to our city and its neighborhoods as a whole.

This has brought us to the conclusion that regarding the architectural and historic integrity of our buildings, the entire city of Utica is endangered!

Disappearing Urban Fabric
Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Utica is losing its structures, context and urban fabric — the elements that make a city, a city. Once worthy of the moniker “The Landmark City,” it is succumbing to a new creeping form of urban renewal, the failed planning technique so prevalent during the 1960s and ‘70s, which became a municipal version of forest clear-cutting or strip mining.

Utica is becoming less and less a city, and more and more a suburban setting.

A contributing factor is this area’s growing propensity toward sprawl. Orchards and farmlands are forever disappearing under the individuality-challenged “McMansions” and the sprouting gigantic box stores, accompanied by seas of asphalt parking lots. While we are tempted to tout this as progress and opportunity, the fact remains that the farther out we go with our development, the harder it will be to sustain it.

“Walkability” an Asset
Urban landscape author James Kunstler, the guest speaker at Landmarks’ 2005 annual dinner meeting, spoke of the walkability of Utica as one of its major advantages. The proximity of our buildings and relative low scale of the structures could be an invaluable asset to Utica’s future, as the ever-volatile energy market continues to take its toll on the American consumer.

All cities will invariably lose some buildings for reasons beyond anyone’s control. What’s more, declining population makes it increasingly difficult to sustain certain establishments, with notable examples being our magnificent urban churches. As consolidation of parishes and congregations continues, we will see more and more irreplaceable houses of worship go up for sale and face an uncertain future.

Unfortunately, however, rather than learn from the mistakes of others or the past, we seem destined to experience or relive them. Urban Renewal, a.k.a. the wholesale destruction of entire city blocks to provide “attractive, inexpensive, shovel-ready developable land companies will flock to build on,” was largely a bitter and unfortunate failure throughout the United States.

Downtowns were devastated, neighborhoods and cultures were displaced and dispersed, and the unique character of cities and their “sense of place” was forever lost to misguided planning and the wrecking ball. We have only to look to our sister city to the west, Rome, to realize the difficulty of trying to recreate a downtown 30 years after urban renewal literally obliterated it.

Utica is losing its urban fabric one building at a time, either by active demolition in the interest of “more parking” or through blatant neglect by landlords who either cannot afford or do not care to keep their historic properties in decent repair.

Vision and Plan are Keys
As successfully revitalized downtowns across the country have shown, older buildings are prime venues for redevelopment. There are already excellent “move-in-ready” buildings in Utica’s central business district. The City must become more business friendly and make others “move-in ready” as well — instead of “shovel-ready” vacant sites. It is often largely a question of matching the right entrepreneur with the proper structure. More important is having the vision and adhering to a solid economic development plan that will make it happen.

Of course, we cannot and should not rely solely on the public sector. Saving our extraordinary heritage and revitalizing our community will take everyone’s participation. Utica has a proud heritage of enlightened leaders whose business, cultural and philanthropic achievements set remarkable examples for our citizenry. These leaders built and meticulously maintained their properties, many of which are the magnificent structures whose care are entrusted to us today.

Among the most notable of those community builders of the past were the Proctors, eminent benefactors of the city in countless ways. Out of admiration and perhaps with a hint of frustration the question is sometimes asked today, where is the next generation of Proctors? — enlightened individuals whose focus is on enhancing and not destroying or endangering the greatness of our city?

The answer to that question lies within each of us — and together we can carry on the legacy.

Some examples of our Endangered City, by neighborhood:
1. Rutger/Steuben – 1 & 3 Rutger Park, deterioration of roofs among numerous issues affecting these properties that are facing demolition by neglect.

2. Bleecker/Mohawk — Meyda Tiffany/Big Daddy’s block, scheduled demolition for parking; Security Building, roof and extended vacancy.

3. Bagg's Square — REA wing, extended vacancy; Jacoby building, badly compromised roof. Remaining original, historical railroad structures (including O&W freight house, New York Central Tower 30, Schuyler Street watchman’s tower and numerous other railroad-related structures) could be preserved and incorporated into a museum setting that would complement the Adirondack Scenic Railroad operation. The new proprietor of the Union Station restaurant is building a raised dining area over the marble countertop, encasing it (see page x). Landmarks will continue to monitor.

4. Cornhill — constant and repeated loss of both commercial and residential properties, along with the general deterioration of the neighborhood.

5. West Utica — Deteriorating neighborhood fabric. On the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center campus, the Director’s Mansion has a compromised roof and the Dixhurst building has extensive water in basement.

6. Downtown Core — Foto Fair building (Jones-Haberer), compromised roof and extended vacancy; Columbia Street.

7. Oneida Square — Oneida Castle building, hole in roof; Knights of Columbus building, leaking roof.

8. East Utica — Constant and repeated loss of both commercial and residential properties.

9. Varick Street — Pasquale's building, compromised roof and walls, code violations.

10. South Utica/Uptown — loss of streetwall, strip mall going in at Genesee and Auburn.

11. North Utica — Often forgotten, this section of the city along Herkimer Road and Riverside Drive contains some of the city’s oldest and most historic homes. Many seem to be well-maintained, however commercial development is compromising the Herkimer Road corridor.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL SUMMER 2006 NEWSLETTER AT:
http://www.uticalandmarks.org/preservationist.php

OP/ED: Gone But Not Forgotten: Remembering Utica's Lost Treasures

Utica Observer-Dispatch
May 29, 2006


The city of Utica has numerous obsolete buildings, most of which have outlived their usefulness and should indeed be razed.

Others, however, are important links to the past, many aligned with the people and events that should forever remain as symbols of what made Utica one of the more important communities in the nation....

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF OPINION:
http://uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060529/LIFE/605290312/1059

Landmarks's Bid For 1 and 3 Rutger Park Fails

Utica Observer-Dispatch
February 8, 2006

UTICA — After making several offers for 1 and 3 Rutger Park, the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica is no longer bidding for the historic mansions.

Landmark's Society Statement:
"We are disappointed that the Dowling Family and Landmarks Society of Greater Utica could not achieve a mutually beneficial agreement for these key historic properties in Rutger Park at this time. Regardless, we stand ready to provide the following:

1. Assistance in developing conceptual plans for reuse and restoration of 1, 2 and 3 Rutger Park.

2. Assistance in applying for reasonable, appropriate and applicable grants and/or low interest loans from the City of Utica, The Preservation League of New York State NYSOPRHP and other governmental agencies or private foundations.

3. Facilitating meetings with city's Urban and Economic Development Department and the Scenic and Historic Commission relating to the long term, economically viable plan that is consistent with the properties historic significance. "

OP/ED: SAVE RUTGER PARK HOMES

Utica Observer-Dispatch
January 29, 2006

Historic mansions part of what we were, what we can be.

The city of Utica has little choice but to pursue legal action in an effort to protect two of the region's most historic homes.

Utica Corporation Counsel Linda Sullivan Fatata said Tuesday the city will go to court to force the owners of Nos. 1 and 3 Rutger Park to comply with a 1994 court order that requires the homes be kept up. That order was issued by State Supreme Court Justice Anthony Shaheen as a stipulation in granting the owner permission to demolish another home at No. 2. Rutger Park.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF OPINION: http://uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060129/NEWS05/601290307&SearchID

The City Is Planning Legal Action

Utica Observer-Dispatch
January 25, 2006
Allissa Kline

UTICA — The city is planning legal action to save two of its most historic homes.

The city's Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission asked Corporation Counsel Linda Sullivan Fatata Monday to recommend ways the city can force the owner of 1 and 3 Rutger Park to maintain the homes, Fatata said Tuesday.
"We will act now to save (the homes) from any more deterioration," Fatata said. "We want to get the ball rolling right now."

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY: http://uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060129/NEWS05/601290307&SearchID

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2006
Preservation League of New York State Welcomes Landmarks

ALBANY, January 13, 2006 – Though founded thirty years apart, the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica and the Friends of Historic Herkimer County have similar goals: advocating for the preservation and restoration of the historic, irreplaceable buildings, districts and sites in their communities. Now, they can learn from one another, and from dozens of similar groups across New York State, as members of the Preservation League of New York State’s Preservation Colleagues program.

The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica was the first all-volunteer group to host and participate in a regional meeting of the Preservation League of New York State’s Preservation Colleagues program. The meeting, held at the historic Hotel Utica in December, was attended by representatives of historic preservation groups from Albany to Buffalo to Binghamton, as well as staff of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). A representative from Friends of Historic Herkimer County, the other new all-volunteer member of Preservation Colleagues, also attended.

Launched with a NYSCA grant in 1997, the Preservation Colleagues began as a network of professionally-staffed not-for-profit groups. “Preservation Colleagues are the behind-the-scenes heroes and the front-line advocates who work on behalf of endangered landmarks, historic neighborhoods, rural landscapes and commercial centers in their respective service areas,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. “The Preservation Colleagues program works to foster an even stronger bond between the organizations to advance the goals of each one individually, and to collectively promote a statewide preservation agenda.”

Last year, the Preservation League conducted a statewide survey, partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, to identify the all-volunteer preservation groups in the state. “The League’s search revealed 20 such groups which have historic preservation as the core mission,” said Tania Werbizky, Director of Technical and Grant Programs for the Preservation League. “Some of these organizations serve a single community, while others have a regional focus. Some are well-established, while others are new. After a series of follow-up calls and site visits, the League formally invited two all-volunteer groups to join the Preservation Colleagues program.”

“Being invited to join the Preservation League’s Colleagues Program is both an honor and privilege for our organization,” said Landmarks Society President Michael S. Rizzo. “It affirms not only the mission of historic preservation that Landmarks has pursued vigorously for over 30 years, but Landmarks’ effectiveness, even as an all-volunteer organization, in promoting the appreciation, preservation and restoration of irreplaceable local properties and districts.”

“Friends of Historic Herkimer County was founded in 2004 to bring attention to the important architectural, historical and cultural resources of Herkimer County,” said Sue Perkins, a member of the group. “As a newly-formed organization, we are looking forward to learning from others’ experiences, as well as sharing our excitement, enthusiasm and new ideas. The Preservation Colleagues meeting in Utica gave us a taste of what was to come, and we’re looking forward to upcoming meetings and opportunities to network.”

Utica area businessman and philanthropist F. Eugene Romano, who was recently named to the Preservation League’s Board of Trustees, also commented on Landmarks’ joining the Colleagues Program. “This is a partnership of two organizations that have demonstrated at both the local and state levels that historic preservation is important culturally and economically to our communities. Greater Utica is rich in structures and neighborhoods that have extraordinary historic and architectural significance, as is New York State. We can all be excited about the work being done to make sure these assets are as valuable a part of our future as they have been our past.”

According to DiLorenzo, “The Preservation League is pleased to work with the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica in this new way. We look forward to assisting this organization to enhance its abilities to bring the benefits of preservation to public and private stakeholders who are engaged in planning, economic development and neighborhood revitalization. Thanks to NYSCA support, the League is able to extend the Preservation Colleagues program to Utica and thereby to the constituents of the Landmark Society of Greater Utica.”

4 Property Owners Honored For Preserving History

Utica Observer-Dispatch
October 20, 2005
Cassaundra Baber

When Michelle Klosek and her husband, Steve, bought the 120-year-old Stiefvater building 17 years ago, the water in the basement reached Michelle Klosek's hips. What she didn't know was that a rich history lay below.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY: http://uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051020/NEWS/510200320/1001

Dipping Into History: Utica Fountain Restored

Observer-Dispatch
October 18, 2005
Cassaundra Baber

UTICA -- A brown-and-white-spotted paint horse named Mel drank water from the 8-by-6-foot granite pool.
Honey, a golden retriever, dipped his paw in the dish-like extensions jutting out from each side of the newly restored monument on Utica's Memorial Parkway. The scene could have been pulled from a history book, said Michael Rizzo, president of the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica. He stood at the intersection of Elk and Pleasant streets looking at the circa-1910 Swan Memorial Fountain.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY: http://uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051018/NEWS/510180311/1001

Landmarks Group Puts In Its Bid For Historic Homes

Utica Observer-Dispatch
September 23, 2005
SHAWN ANDERSON

UTICA - The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica has submitted a bid to purchase 1 and 3 Rutger Park, two of the city's most historic properties, society President Michael Rizzo said Thursday.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2005/09/23/news/5256.html

History For Sale - Conkling Home On The Block

Utica Observer-Dispatch
June 25, 2005
SHAWN ANDERSON

UTICA - After months of speculation, two of Utica's most historic buildings are for sale. In a twist, however, the mansions at 1 and 3 Rutger Park don't have an asking price. Rather, interested buyers must submit by September a bid and short essay describing their plans for the buildings.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://uticaod.com/archive/2005/06/23/news/31930.html

PYRAMID BROKERAGE COMPANY HAS BEEN RETAINED TO SELL RUTGER PARK

June 24, 2005

SEE LINK FOR LISTING WEB SITE INFORMATION:
http://www.pyramidbrokerage.com/rutgerpark/

Crowds flock to Utica's Old Main

Utica Observer-Dispatch
May 26, 2005
CRAIG MUDER

UTICA -- The line of visitors stretched from the containment fence down onto the access road in front of Old Main in Utica Wednesday, 35 people deep for hours on end...

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2005/05/26/news/29192.html

City Pitches Old Main

Utica Observer-Dispatch
January 26, 2005
SHAWN ANDERSON

City pitches Old Main: Officials want building to become training center.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://uticaod.com/archive/2005/01/26/news/18468.html

Questions Loom as Rutger Park Sale in Utica Begins

Utica Observer-Dispatch
November 4, 2005
SHAWN ANDERSON

UTICA -- When a four-day estate sale at 1 and 3 Rutger Park begins today, antiques dating back to the Civil War era will be on the auction block.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2004/11/04/news/11726.html

Groups Seek to Preserve Historic Utica Mansions

Utica Observer-Dispatch
October 18, 2005
SHAWN ANDERSON and ELIZABETH COOPER

They're two of Utica's most historic homes, sitting in one of Utica's most historic districts.

Speculation about the future of 1 and 3 Rutger Park has run rampant since the spring death of Anne Dowling, whose family owns the properties.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://uticaod.com/archive/2004/10/18/news/10305.html

Former State Lawmaker Nick Calogero Dies at 80

Utica Observer-Dispatch
October 10, 2005

Gov. George Pataki said Saturday that he has ordered flags across the state flown at half-staff "in honor of Assemblyman Calogero." Pataki said, "Nick ... will long be remembered for his tireless efforts and advocacy to restore Utica Union Station. The train station will serve as a lasting tribute and example of his devotion."

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2004/10/10/news/9778.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2005
Community Foundation Grant Helps Landmarks

The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica today 7-23-04 announced that its campaign to fund restoration of the historic Swan Memorial Fountain on Utica's Parkway has reached the goal thanks to a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc.

Landmarks President Michael S. Rizzo said the grant brings to $40,000 the amount raised in the drive, which will provide needed repairs to the fountain, located on the east side of Elm Street between Pleasant Street and the Memorial Parkway. He noted that other major contributors to the project have been the CONMED Corporation, members and friends of the William C. Locke family, and the City of Utica which matched total private-sector support with $20,000 in funding.

"The Swan Fountain is one of Utica's most significant pieces of outdoor sculpture," said Rizzo, "it has graced the city's picturesque Parkway corridor for nearly a century and with this much-needed conservation, will continue to do so for years to come.

"The Landmarks Society and countless others who appreciate our many local architectural treasures are grateful to all who have believed in and supported this project, including Utica Mayor Tim Julian. It is another example of historic preservation linking our community's proud past with a new vitality for the 21st century, and a model of public and private-sector resources coming together to make that happen."

Rizzo said the restoration will include base and infrastructure repair, site work and gardening. He expects the refurbished fountain to be ready for a public unveiling by next spring.

According to "Historic Utica: A Guide to the City's Outdoor Sculpture" by Rand Carter, the fountain was built in 1910 as a memorial to Robert Swan, a prominent Utica lawyer who had died four years earlier. His widow commissioned Frederick William MacMonnies to design and execute the fountain, with its bronze figurative elements and granite pedestal and basin.

The publication goes on to say, "The Swan Memorial charms passersby with its variety of mythic creatures, including a cast-bronze figure of an infant Pan playing the panpipes, two mythic creatures, half goat, half serpent, and four waterspouts in the form of a dog and fish heads.

"The water flows into bronze seashells mounted on a granite shaft, as well as into the large granite basin below. For almost a century this fountain has been a favorite of Uticans, many of whom stopped to let their dogs drink from the two dog fountains at the base."

Since 1974 the Landmarks Society has been the leading voice for preservation and restoration of historic, irreplaceable buildings, districts and sites throughout the Greater Utica Area. The group has played an active role in such projects as the rejuvenation of Union Station, preservation of the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center's "Old Main" building and its reopening as the Records Archive for the New York State Office of Mental Health, and safeguarding the architectural integrity of Utica's Rutger-Steuben Park and other historic districts.

City Cites Rutger Street Residents

Utica Observer-Dispatch
June 20, 2004
KATHLEEN McGRORY

Utica: Historic codes violated

UTICA -- City officials say nearly 30 homeowners on Rutger Street are violating Scenic and Historic Preservation District regulations.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://uticaod.com/archive/2004/06/20/news/35754.html

OP/ED: Owner, City Must Work Together To Save Homes

Utica Observer-Dispatch
June 4, 2004

Finger-pointing is easy. Progress is not. What's needed at the heart of Utica's historic district is public/private cooperation that helps preserve two of the city's most famous addresses -- 1 and 3 Rutger Park.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF OPINION:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2004/06/04/opinion/34235.html

Questions Surround Key Historic Homes in Utica

Utica Observer-Dispatch
May 31, 2004
SHAWN ANDERSON

Owner still deciding fate of 1, 3 Rutger Park

UTICA -- As the city steps up efforts to restore the Rutger-Steuben Park Historic District, the future of two of its most historic mansions -- 1 and 3 Rutger Park -- remains unclear.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2004/05/31/news/33830.html

Spirit of Renewal Moves Into Neighborhood

Utica Observer-Dispatch
May 24, 2004

If these walls could talk.

That's what many of us were thinking recently as we stood in the dining room of 219 Rutger St. Built around 1860, this graceful second empire-style house still stands proudly in a neighborhood that once personified one of the nation's most prosperous and rapidly growing cities......

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF OPINION:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2004/05/24/opinion/33095.html

Utica’s Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission Adopts New Guidelines

May 17, 2004

At the regular meeting held May 17, 2003, Utica’s Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission adopted the new guidelines that finally set down principles for working within Utica’s Scenic and Historic Districts. The publication has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior and administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and were prepared by Historic Preservation Consultant Taylor & Taylor Associates, Inc. David L. Taylor, Principal-in-Charge. Download and or read them by cliking on the link below.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.cityofutica.com/pdf/udg.pdf

On The Block: Historic Rutger Street Homes To Be Sold By City

Utica Observer-Dispatch
May 7, 2004

At one time, the three mansions -- built during the 1860s to 1880s -- ranked among Utica's most desirable homes.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2004/05/08/news/31889.html

OP/ED: Future Can Hinge On Past

April 5, 2004

Preserving the past is an honorable goal for us all. A country without an Old North Church, a Monticello or an Independence Hall surely would be missing part of its soul, and the dedication of those who stand guard over these national treasures cannot be compensated.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF OPINION:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2004/04/05/opinion/29497.html

Group Deems Landmarks 'Worth Saving'

Utica Observer-Dispatch
Wed, Mar 31, 2004
SHAWN ANDERSON

UTICA -- Progress has been made in stabilizing and preserving Utica's most historic buildings, but much work still remains.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://uticaod.com/archive/2004/03/31/news/29289.html

Former Conkling Home A Treasure Worth Guarding

March 29, 2004

While it’s important to pay attention to all of the homes on the Landmark Society’s endangered list, this community must be especially vigilant in protecting the former Roscoe Conkling home at 3 Rutger Park.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY: http://www.uticaod.com/community/halloffame/politics/conkling_roscoe.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 23, 2004
LANDMARKS SOCIETY’S 2004 "BUILDINGS WORTH SAVING"

The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica has published its 2004 list of historically and/or architecturally significant area buildings and districts at risk or in danger of being lost.

Michael Bosak, chairman of Landmarks’ Endangered Buildings Committee, said the list is compiled annually and is meant to review and update the status of those buildings, sites, districts and vistas previously reported as endangered or newly identified as such.

Said Bosak, "Landmarks has been working with the City of Utica, private owners and organizations to help draw attention to the need for preservation, maintenance and repair of our vital historic architectural environment.

Bosak disclosed the top ten sites on the list as follows:

1 Rutger Park
Threatened o Italian Villa, ca. 1854.

3 Rutger Park
Threatened o Greek Revival, ca. 1830.

7 Rutger Park / Former Teamsters Building
Watch o Modern, ca. 1977

Rutger Park Greenspace
Watch o Landscape, ca. 1830.

22 Steuben Park
Emergency o Queen Anne, ca. 1872

Corner of Hobart and Oneida Streets
Watch (was Threatened)

100 South Street
Threatened o Queen Anne, ca. 1885

Railway Express Agency (REA) Wing of Union Station
Guard (was Watch) o Ca. 1914..

3 Hopper Street
Threatened Neoclassical, ca. 1895.

Swan Memorial Fountain
Threatened Sculpture.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY: http://www.uticaod.com/news/photogallery/projects2004/2004_saving_homes/gallery1

JUDICIAL FIGHTS TO RESTORE COURTROOMS

February 16, 2004

As construction continues, judicial branch pushes to restore at least one of the ceremonial third floor courtrooms at the Oneida County Court House. Current plans never attempted to restore courtrooms to their original grandeur. Incredible plaster coffered ceiling found hidden under cheap drop ceilings. Photo of intact ceiling shows it to be in great shape!

Recently, Hon. Robert F. Julian, Supreme Court Justice gave an emotional and inspiring presentation to the Oneida County Legislature imploring them that it is their “constitutional and statutory obligation to restore and protect the people’s property”. Past courthouse renovation did not respect its’ historic significance or character. He added that considering the significant history the Oneida County Bar Association has played in shaping this country, restoring at least one courtroom is not too much to ask for.

Fort Schuyler Club Nominated

December 21, 2003

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro announced that the New York State Board of Historic Preservation has recommended 39 properties for nomination to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. One of the properties recommended for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places is the Fort Schuyler Club Building, Utica.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/press/2003/Nov_20.htm

City of Utica Matches Funds

November 14, 2003

Mayor Tim Julian has agreed to co-sponsor the Save the Swan Memorial Fountain Campaign matching money raised by the Landmarks Society dollar for dollar. With this news, the total funds rasied to date is $10,000 and the official kick-off has not occurred.

WHY PRESERVE? HOTEL UTICA ATTRACTS NATIONAL ATTENTION

November 8, 2003

The Hotel Utica, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, re-opened on April 4, 2001. Its effects are now becoming apparent throughout downtown.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY: http://www.nationaltrust.org/primer/list.asp?i=30

CONMED Donates $5,000 To Save The Swan Fountain

November 6, 2003

The CONMED Corp of Utica has committed $5,000 to Landmarks' Save the Swan Memorial Fountain Campaign.

more info: http://www.conmed.com

New Beginning Envisioned For Old Main

Utica Observer-Dispatch
March 31, 2003
TOM LAMBERT

Building would become museum, records archive

Mike Bosak, past president of the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, wants to turn the Old Main Building at the former Utica Psychiatric Center into a museum and a place to keep record archives from various psychiatric institutions.

SEE LINK FOR CONTINUATION OF STORY:
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2003/07/23/news/11195.html