Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended adding 18 properties, resources and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The nominations reflect the striking diversity of New York State’s history and range from the last New York City home of author and civil rights activist James Baldwin to the Adirondack farm that inspired noted artist Rockwell Kent.
“These historic locations highlight so much of what it is exceptional and exciting about New York’s history and honor the legacy of some of the state’s most distinguished leaders,” Governor Cuomo said. “By placing these landmarks on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, we are helping to ensure these places and their caretakers have the funding needed to preserve, improve and promote the best of the Empire State.”
State and National Registers listing can assist property owners in revitalizing buildings, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits. Since the Governor signed legislation to bolster the state’s use of rehabilitation tax credits in 2013, the state and federal program has spurred billions of dollars in completed investments of historic commercial properties and tens of millions in owner-occupied historic homes.
The State and National Registers are the official lists of buildings, structures, districts, landscapes, objects, and sites significant in the history, architecture, archeology and culture of New York State and the nation. There are more than 120,000 historic buildings, structures and sites throughout the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places, individually or as components of historic districts. Property owners, municipalities and organizations from communities throughout the state sponsored the nominations.
Once the recommendations are approved by the state historic preservation officer, the properties are listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed and, once approved, entered on the National Register. More information and photos of the nominations are available on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website.
Senator José Serrano, Chair of Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation said,“Historic preservation serves as an economic engine to promote tourism and create jobs, while celebrating our state’s diverse cultural heritage. Listing these properties on the State and National Register will give New Yorkers and visitors an appreciation for our history, while supporting the revitalization of communities throughout the state. I commend Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Kulleseid for their commitment to preserving New York’s history for future generations.”
Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said, “By preserving and revitalizing these historic places, we can encourage smart economic growth, tourism, and community pride. Listing these properties on the State and National Registers of Historic Places will help ensure that they contribute to New York’s future.”
Capital Region
Ancramdale Historic District, Ancram: The rural crossroads hamlet is characterized by a collection of modest vernacular buildings that collectively portray the growth of this locale from the turn of the 19th century, when mining enterprises were initially established there, until the early 1950s, when the last buildings were constructed.
Bigelow-Finch-Fowler Farm, West Lebanon: The property’s centerpiece is a commodious ca. 1830 brick house, known familiarly as “The Century.” It was first settled in the late 18th century by New England pioneer Jabez Bigelow (1726-1808), whose family’s presence accounted for the West Lebanon area being known historically by the name Bigelow Flats or Bigelow Hollow. The property is also significant for its later association with Warren Fowler, whose vision of regional telegraph and telephone service helped to reshape life in and around New Lebanon in the late nineteenth century
Alexandra Apartment Hotel, Schenectady: The five-story Queen Anne-style building was built in 1900 and targeted residents who were primarily employees of the General Electric Company, whose industrial works were only a short trolley ride away. The building is associated with the growth of Schenectady and is significant as an apartment hotel building type.
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For more information, contact the Governor’s Press Office:
(518) 474-8418
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov