Onondaga Park History Tour on Sunday, September 9th

Paul Pflanz Leads Onondaga Park History Tour on Sunday, September 9^th

The Preservation Association of Central New York continues its walking tour series on Sunday, September 9th, when PACNY Board member and Onondaga Park Association Vice President Paul Pflanz will lead a tour of the history and development of Onondaga Park.

The tour begins at the corner of Clairmonte Avenue and Crossett Avenue in the Strathmore neighborhood at 2:00 p.m. and will continue through upper Onondaga Park.  Depending on time and interest, it may extend to lower Onondaga Park as well.  The tour will proceed rain or shine.  Tour participation is free but donations gratefully accepted.

 

Onondaga Park was given birth by the 1894 opening of the Woodland Reservoir on South Geddes Street, three blocks to the west. Woodland made the area's old Wilkinson Reservoir obsolete and in 1898, the 71 acres surrounding the latter was acquired by the city to form Onondaga Park. The reservoir, with rip-rapped stone sides, and adjoining oak and hickory grove were used for swimming and picnicking with little change for a few years. In 1903, a large wooded area known as the Olmstead Grove was added, expanding the Park and creating a popular picnic area at its southeast corner that is still in use today. Wilkinson Reservoir was reconfigured in 1911 and renamed Hiawatha Lake, the landscaped centerpiece of today's Onondaga Park. 

 

From 1915 to the mid-1950's, Onondaga Park was known for its major flower beds and the entire Lake was used for swimming in the summer and ice-skating in winter. It lost some of its luster in the 1960's and early 70's as the landscaping aged and maintenance costs escalated for the city. A renewed effort to improve and enhance the historic landscape of the Park began in the late 1970's and early 80's. It became a joint public-private effort, with the Onondaga Park Association working together with the city to raise funds and focus volunteer efforts toward the Park. A high point occurred in 1987 when the Syracuse City Council dedicated the entire Park as an official Syracuse Historic Preservation District. It has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places.  Since then, the Park Association has raised over $1M for improvements in the park.

Please support PACNY by becoming a member to create a larger voice for preservation in Central New York. Membership forms will be available.

 

The member-based Preservation Association of Central New York has been the area’s citizen voice for historic preservation for over 35 years. Founded as a reaction to the widespread neglect and demolition of historic buildings and neighborhoods in the 1960’s, PACNY has led the successful effort to transform our community’s perception and care of its historic resources so that now the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County now have more than a dozen historic districts which contribute to the region’s cultural and economic vitality. For further information about PACNY, see the PACNY website at http://pacny.net/.

For further information on the tour contact Paul Pflanz at 315-424-1297 or phpflanz@addressisp.com

Join Me on Washington Square Neighborhood Architecture and History Tour on Sunday, August 26th

Join Me on  Washington Square Neighborhood Architecture and History Tour
Sunday, August 26th at 2:00 p.m.

I invite you to join me for a tour of the art, architecture and history of the Washington Square neighborhood on Syracuse's Northside.  The tour begins at the recently restored Kirkpatrick Monument at Washington Square Park at 2:00 p.m. and will continue on neighboring Park, Court, Turtle and Bear Streets.

The tour is sponsored by the Preservation Association of Central New York (PACNY), concluding its summer Northside walking tour series.  Tour participation is $5.00 for PACNY members, $10.00 for non-members.

The history of Washington Square, formerly the heart of the town of Salina and then Syracuse’s First Ward, encompasses the region’s history from the Onondaga Nation, to the first white settlement and development of a salt-based economy, to today’s diverse community. The area includes fine art monuments such as the William Kirkpatrick Monument, designed by noted American Renaissance sculptor Gail Sherman Corbett, and a large selection of noteworthy mid-19th-century houses and churches and early 20th-century commercial and industrial buildings. Many of the houses and churches served the leaders of Syracuse’s Salt industry.

The two-hour tour will discuss the area’s history and some of its notable residents, and will especially focus on the urban and architectural trends that shaped neighborhood as seen through individual buildings including the John Lynch House, the William G. Clarke House, the Henry E. Pierce (Octagon) House, the Parke S. Avery House, Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. John the Baptist Church and the Penfield Manufacturing Company.

Old Salts: Oakwood Cemetery Tour of Salt Barons Thursday Evening

Old Salts: Oakwood Cemetery Tour of Salt Barons Thursday Evening
by Samuel Gruber

 Syracuse, NY. Burr Burton tomb, designed by Horatio Nelson White (1866).  Photo: Samuel Gruber

Many of us enjoyed PACNY president Jeff Romano's tour of Oakwood Cemetery last summer, when he pointed out the stories behind the graves of those for whom Syracuse Streets are named.  This week Jeff leads of tour for the Historic Oakwood Cemetery Preservation Association (HOCPA) of the tombs of the city's Salt Barons on Thursday (July 26th) at 6:30 pm.

The tour begins at the Chapel. enter at Comstock gate and follow the tour signs.  The tour takes place train or shine, but will be canceled if there is thunder and lightning.  Wear comfortable shoes.

I'm looking forward to this tour, in part because on August 26th I'll be leading a walking tour of the Washington Square area, where many of the "Barons" presided when they were among the living.

 

 Syracuse, NY. Burr Burton tomb, designed by Horatio Nelson White (1866).  Photo: Samuel Gruber

At Oakwood, I assume we'll visit the tomb of Burr Burton (1804-1865) in section 12.  Burton was a leading salt manufacturer, and former state assemblyman who was shot and killed in his home in 1865 by an unknown assailant.  I guess gun control was a probable after the Civil War, too.  The tomb was designed by Horatio Nelson White, Syracuse leading architect at the time. Built of Onondaga limestone it reportedly cost $8,000. Read more about Burton on the Shades of Oakwood website.

For more information about the tour contact Connie Palumb at 315-415-2954.

My CNY Bike Racks

My CNY Bike Racks
Text and photos by Samuel D. Gruber

I ride my bike a lot - I ride to work and ride downtown and I ride to explore different neighborhoods.  I learned urban riding when I was kid in Center City Philadelphia, then in my high school years in Rome, Italy, and later biking for sixteen years in Manhattan.  Except for some of the hills, I've always thought biking in Syracuse is a breeze.  I like having bike lanes - when they are good ones - but really I've always felt traffic is so light here, and that there are so many one way streets, that getting around (except on Euclid Ave!) has never been a big problem (for me).  What I am always looking for, however, are good bike racks.  Having had three unlocked bikes stolen in Syracuse since 1993, I am maniacal about locking my bike even for the shortest time, even if I'm sitting nearby.

Finding good bike racks in Syracuse, however, has always been tough.  But it is getting better.   We recently welcomed the newest and brightest new bike rack on Harvard Place at Westcott Street, a project organized by 40 Below's Public Arts Task Force and designed by city artist/architect Brendan Rose (of Armory Sq/Creek Walk dragon fame), the simple colorful design combines strong pipe poles and cut metal sheets.  The placement was clearly tested by a biker - since there is plenty of room for every type of bike, and most kinds of locks.  Look carefully, the cut-outs spell "Westcott".  I guess "Harvard"  was thought to be too elitist (not so a hundred years ago when residents successfully petitioned to change the name of Phelps Street to Harvard Place). Brendan has previously designed the sign at the Lipe Art Park.

More creative bike racks can enliven our city streets and parks.  Here is inspiration from Detroit - a downtown bike rack I saw when there last April.  These models can be purchased from Belsen.  Click here to see some more Detroit racks.

This is my favorite bike rack - the one at Bird Library I use everyday.  In my experience this design is the most functional.   Bikes can be parked form either side, and squiggly pipe take every wheel size and handlebar width, and bikes can be locked with U-locks or chains.  No wonder this rack is always filled  (and the overhand of the library roof keeps off most rain).

This is probably the worst  rack in the city and its right across from City Hall.  I use it whenever I bike to public meeting, and I'm always wondering whether my bike will still be there when I get out.   Besides being small and ugly, it is so badly bolted to the sidewalk a heavy man could lean on it an break it loose. 
so what sort of message does this City Hall rack send. 

 

Here are two more good SU racks.  The tops one is from the Warehouse - though I think it has been moved due to the present construction work.  The other is on campus - taken on a weekend - since during the week the rack is filled with bikes.

The rack above is the one that has been on the corner of Marshall Street and University place for years. space for three bikes for all those shops and restaurants!  It works but it is set amidst a lot of street clutter.  It gets a lot of use since the rack in front of Marshalltown Mall is not good - its pressed too close to wall so wheels cannot be inserted for locking.  I haven't tried the new racks on the Connective Corridor (I and I have not seen anyone else use them either.  I report on them when I have.

Lastly, for this blog post, here is an unusual rack at SUNY-ESF.  Bikes hang like sculpture from rack/brackets fastened to the concrete wall. 

What bike racks do you use?  Where do look for bike racks but cannot find them?  Let me know.

Everson Museum and Audis Announce the Stickley House May Become Museum

Everson Museum and Audis Announce the Gustav Stickley House May Become Museum
by Samuel D. Gruber

I was ecstatic to get a call yesterday informing me that some of the ideas I'd been promoting, and rumors I'd been hearing about the future of the Gustav Stickley House on Columbus Avenue, were converging on the same course, and that Everson Museum director Steve Kern and L. & J.G. Stickley Company CEO Aminy Audi would be making a big announcement soon about the historic house, with its iconic Craftsman style interior.  I've known for months about Steve Kern's enthusiasm for the house, and that talks were in the works.  The Preservation Association of Central New York identified the Stickley House as community priority at its annual meeting.  But I was never certain that a bold step would be taken, and a threshold crossed.

Here is the story from the syracuse.com and this morning's Post-Standard.

In May I wrote of different options for the house but favored this one

...And then there is the best case scenario...this would take option three, but ratchet it up a notch so that the Stickley House would not just survive as working house, but would be turned into a full-service research and exhibition center for Central New York's famous (and continuing) Arts & Crafts Movement.  Under the auspices of OHA and/or the Everson, the house would be restored supported by nationally-gathered tax-deductible donations and tax-credits where appropriate.  The house would have galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, office space and still (perhaps) house a top floor caretaker's apartment.  The house would function as a satellite museum with regular hours.  There would be difficulties beyond the money (minimally many millions of dollars for restoration, installation, security, curatorship, etc.).  A zoning change would be needed.  Parking would be required - perhaps including the demolition of at least of the later structures on Columbus.  But still... I can cite the success of many similar projects in this country and abroad. Tthe idea is a idealistic, but also realistic, and should be seriously considered - and championed.

Late yesterday afternoon Syracuse.com broke the story the the Everson and the Audi family would move ahead - or at least try to - with plans to make the house an Arts & Crafts center and a satellite museum of the Everson.  Given Stickley's pivotal role in the movement, the Everson's existing strengths in this area, and the importance and achievement of so many regional Arts & Crafts artists, this makes good sense.  I had always imagined a study center, with scholars in staying in Stickley's own house.  But Steve Kern and Crawford & Stearns architects are thinking bigger, and envision an actual exhibition center.

Much needs to be done, but  close examination of the building - both its condition and its spaces - has confirmed that such a new life is indeed possible.  This is what a large local  community of neighbors and a national community of Arts & Crafts enthusiasts have hoped for a long long time.

It will not be easy.  While internationally the $2 million price tag is a pittance for a major cultural attraction, and in NYC or LA, or even in Skaneateles  there are kitchen rehabs that cost a good fraction of this, for cash-strapped Syracuse this is a big step.  Still, as I have written before, I believe this is a project that will generate funds outside of the region to make it happen.  Much is also riding on initial funding from the Regional Economic Development Council.  For this, Central New York residents need to voice their vocally their support to their political representatives and cultural leaders.  I have great faith in Steve Kern's ability to make this happen.

In early September I will be reprising my walking tour of last March of the Columbus Avenue neighborhood.  As before, we'll stop at Stickley House for another long discussion.  This time we will be cautiously optimistic.

Temple Concord Installs National Register Plaques

Temple Concord Installs National Register Plaques
photos courtesy of Mark Kotzin

Syracuse, NY. Temple Concord. Rabbi Daniel Fellman examines new historic plaque noting Temple Concord's National Register designation.  Photo: Mark Kotzin

The congregation of Temple Concord, Central New York's oldest Jewish organization, continued its celebration of congregational history and the distinction of its fine 1910-11 building, the centennial of which was celebrated last year. 

In June, two plaques were installed noting the placement of Temple Concord on the National Register of Historic Places.  The nomination of the building, which was researched and submitted to the State historic Preservation Office with help from the International Survey of Jewish Monuments (ISJM), led to the designation in 2008.  Temple Concord provides office space to ISJM in the 1920s former education wing,  behind the main sanctuary.  The unveiling of the plaque on the sanctuary facade, facing University Avenue, took place after the congregation's annual meeting.  A second plaque is in the Temple complex lobby, which is entered fom the parking lot on Madison street.  With the newly opewned Connective Corridor on University Ave. with 2-way traffic, the new bike path, and new landscaping, the original west-facing Facade of Temple Concord will be getting much more attention than it has in recent years.  Too bad it looks out on a parking lot!

The fabrication of the plaques was made possible by a gift from the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation.  I would love to see more such plaques and other types of notifications marking the historic sites of Syracuse and Central New York.

Here are some photos from the unveiling, courtesy of Mark Kotzin.

Rabbi Daniel Fellman presided. Octogenerian and still-energetic congregants Mike Moss and Alex Holstein helped with the unveiling. Both Mike and Alex were active in getting started the National Register process, getting these plaques up, and the entire building centennial celebration. Mike's parents were married in the sanctuary soon after it opened and Alex's grandfather was on the Building Committee.  Whatever remarks I'm making (above), I'm not sure the rabbi and Mike agree, or maybe I'm was jsut going on too long!

For more on the history and architecture of the building click here.

Historic Samuel Forman House for Sale

Syracuse, NY. Samuel Forman Hse, 417 W. Seneca Turnpike. Photo: Samuel D. Gruber 2012

Syracuse, NY. Samuel Forman Hse, 417 W. Seneca Turnpike. Photo: Samuel D. Gruber 2012

Historic Samuel Forman House for Sale
by Samuel D. Gruber

The historic Samuel Forman House at 417 West Seneca Turnpike, built in 1812, was saved from demolition in 1998.  The house - which has also been used for commercial purpose - is now empty and for sale.

Syracuse, NY. Samuel Forman Hse, 417 W. Seneca Turnpike. Photo: Samuel D. Gruber 2012

The Forman house is prominently sited just west of  the corner of West Seneca Turnpike and Valley Drive.  It is one of Syracuse’s most historic residential structures and one of about a dozen fine masonry Federal-style buildings still intact along Seneca Turnpike from the Onondaga Hollow to Onondaga Hill.  The house was documented as part of the Historic American Building Survey sometime after 1933 (see: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/item/ny0608/ ), has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and is listed as a Local Protected Site.  The Forman house is notable for its -severe but elegant Federal-style architecture including a well-preserved doorway with sidelight windows an interior curving staircase, and many intact architectural features within and without.  It is also associated with one of the founding families of Syracuse. Samuel Foreman was a brother of Joshua Forman who lived nearby (the Zen Center now occupies what was Joshua's house, now greatly transformed).

Sale of the building for residential use is problematic. While there are many historic sites in close proximity, commercial development in recent decades on the immediate adjacent lot and including a strip mall across the Seneca Turnpike now filled with discount stores, have compromised the home’s original setting. On the other hand, the constant car and pedestrian traffic for nearby shopping and dining (including Gannon's famous and excellent ice cream) offers potential for the right business tenant.  

Syracuse, NY. Samuel Forman Hse. Photo: Samuel D. Gruber 2012

In 1998, the house came under threat when a local developer planned to demolish it along with several surrounding buildings to make way for a new 11,000- square-foot Eckerd drugstore.   Local preservationists (including SUNY-ESF prof Kathy Strickley and myself) and the Preservation Association of Central New York  worked with the developer to save the building intact.   At the end of 1998 the developer rehabilitated the Forman House for professional offices, and the building was later occupied by an antique store.  Eckerd went out of business not long after its new store was built.  That new structure is now a Rite-Aid Drugstore.

The building is now empty and for sale (asking price is $195,000) with its primary listing (with interior pictures) at realtyusa.com: 

http://realtyusa.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNumber=258747&PRM_MLSName=SyracuseNY&source=Trulia

It is listed as appropriate for a ground floor business with an apartment above.  Alternatively, the entire space could be adapted for residential, office or appropriate retails space.  Probably because of the now-commercial nature of its location, the historic character of the building is not being  used as much has it could be in marketing. Now seems a good  the time to list the house and other contemporary structures in the Valley on the National Register.

Syracuse, NY. Samuel Forman Hse & adjacent drugstore.  Photo: Samuel D. Gruber 2012