Thank you, Suzanne, an excellent essay, much needed. As the preservation movement has matured, it's lost its most effective advocates, some working as individuals, like Jackie Onassis, some embedded in organizations like the Municipal Art Society, and others even working within government, as in the Parks Department and Landmarks Commission in New York City. We are not in a good place now.
I think you should go and buy the old Academy building in Gilbertsville and fix it up. It's the most wonderful stone building! The problem with old buildings is EVERYTHING has to be redone to "come up to code." The Academy building has no electrical wiring, insulation, or plumbing, I'm sure.
I have a terrific historic photo of the Academy, must be mid-1800s judging from the clothing, and it must have been when it was first opened. E-mail me at valerie.ross49@gmail and I can send it to you
Actually, I looked at it about 10 years ago, when I decided to leave Brooklyn, and it was on the market. It was a shell, being used as a workroom and garage. There was a partial second floor. The house was for sale, as well, with it. Unfortunately, it was beyond my budget, especially when one figured on renovating the school. Oh, but had I the cash, what a project that would have been!
Fantastic essay, as always, Suzanne. I had no idea that the Signal building in Troy was just torn down. What a loss. I often would see that building, and the county office complex, and think those structures had a lot of potential for preservation and new uses. It's too late now.
What is the point of view of the Community Land Bank about preservation? Can the land bank act as a judge in such matters? The city historic preservation committee seems not to be talking to its natural allies.
Thank you, Suzanne, an excellent essay, much needed. As the preservation movement has matured, it's lost its most effective advocates, some working as individuals, like Jackie Onassis, some embedded in organizations like the Municipal Art Society, and others even working within government, as in the Parks Department and Landmarks Commission in New York City. We are not in a good place now.
I think you should go and buy the old Academy building in Gilbertsville and fix it up. It's the most wonderful stone building! The problem with old buildings is EVERYTHING has to be redone to "come up to code." The Academy building has no electrical wiring, insulation, or plumbing, I'm sure.
I have a terrific historic photo of the Academy, must be mid-1800s judging from the clothing, and it must have been when it was first opened. E-mail me at valerie.ross49@gmail and I can send it to you
Actually, I looked at it about 10 years ago, when I decided to leave Brooklyn, and it was on the market. It was a shell, being used as a workroom and garage. There was a partial second floor. The house was for sale, as well, with it. Unfortunately, it was beyond my budget, especially when one figured on renovating the school. Oh, but had I the cash, what a project that would have been!
I looked at it at the same time! The ground flooring is still there, but it was taken up and stacked to preserve the wood. When I win the lottery...
You have a lot of interesting things to say!!!
Fantastic essay, as always, Suzanne. I had no idea that the Signal building in Troy was just torn down. What a loss. I often would see that building, and the county office complex, and think those structures had a lot of potential for preservation and new uses. It's too late now.
Yeah, I was shocked. They could have done so much with it. It was on the National Register, for crying out loud!
As usual, right-on commentary but far too long in this busy world. Anyway, hohoho and all that!!!
Sorry for the length. But you should have seen it before I edited it!
Thank you so much for this post!!!!
Thank you for writing this. I was so sad to find this out today and I’m not sure if anything can be done: https://bkreader.com/2022/03/11/historic-fort-greene-church-to-be-replaced-by-11-story-apartment-building/?amp=1
What is the point of view of the Community Land Bank about preservation? Can the land bank act as a judge in such matters? The city historic preservation committee seems not to be talking to its natural allies.
Yes. Thank you, Suzanne. We need you here in Troy and we are lucky to have you with us.