Preservation League of New York Announces Historic Award Recipients

The Preservation League of New York State announced today a total of 12 people, projects and organizations for their dedication to preserving, restoring and revitilizing historic buildings. The Orleans County Courthouse Building is an award recipient.

PRESERVATION LEAGUE OF NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES EXCELLENCE IN PRESERVATION AWARDS

Orleans County Courthouse and Clerk’s Building Honored

(Albany, NY) -- At its 2003 annual meeting, the Preservation League of New York State will honor a total of 12 people, projects and organizations for their dedication to and accomplishments in preserving, restoring and revitalizing historic buildings and communities. Of the 12 awards, one is being presented to an Orleans County recipient– Orleans County Courthouse and Clerk’s Building.

“We are delighted to acknowledge the many extraordinary achievements in historic preservation that occur every year throughout New York State,” said Scott Heyl, president of the Preservation League.

“This year’s Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards recipients have been recognized for work that has spurred economic development, increased heritage awareness and tourism, revitalized communities and helped unveil the beauty of New York’s rich architectural and cultural heritage,” Heyl said.

The League’s annual meeting and awards presentation will take place at 6:00 PM on May 14 at the W New York Union Square, 201 Park Ave. South, New York City.

Orleans County Courthouse and Clerk’s Building
Project Award

The stately Greek Revival style Orleans County Courthouse was designed by William VanNess Barlow, Architect and built between 1857-1858. The Clerk’s Building was constructed between 1882-1883 to the design of Isaac G. Perry, Architect, in the High Victorian Gothic style. These handsome public buildings are key landmarks in the Orleans County Courthouse Historic District in the Village of Albion.

In the late 1990s the county recognized that, in addition to being substantially inaccessible to the disabled, these structures required significant rehabilitation and were becoming inadequate for the programs they housed. The project architects, Crawford & Stearns, worked closely with county and court personnel to identify actual needs, as well as the applicable regulatory requirements for restoration safety and accessibility.

All the restoration and renovation objectives were successfully achieved due to creative design, close consultation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, support from the county and encouragement from the court’s personnel. The success of the project allowed these buildings to remain in use for their original purposes while continuing to serve as active landmarks in the historic Village of Albion. This project can serve as a model and inspiration for counties across the state with landmark courthouse facilities needing improved stewardship.

Award recipients in other New York state areas include: Brighter Choice Charter School (Albany); Skylight and Laylight, New York Capitol Building (Albany); Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse (Brooklyn); Buffalo City Hall Council Chambers (Buffalo); Canisius College (Buffalo); World Monuments Fund (New York City) in conjunction with the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities (Cold Spring Harbor); Strecker Laboratory (Roosevelt Island, New York City); J. Winthrop Aldrich (Red Hook); King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga (Ticonderoga); Rensselaer County Court Facilities (Troy); Gazette Building (Yonkers).

The Preservation League Statewide Awards Program is funded by a generous grant from the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation of Miami, Florida.

By leading a statewide preservation movement, sharing information and expertise and raising a unified voice, the Preservation League of New York State promotes historic preservation as a tool to revitalize our neighborhoods and communities, honor our heritage and enrich our lives.