Gossips has been reporting the unfolding story of 14 and 16 North Fourth Street since the proposal to demolish the two houses was presented to the Planning Board in November. Unfortunately, the owner of the buildings, the code enforcement officer, and the Historic Preservation Commission all believed the two houses were not in a historic district, and there was nothing to prevent their demolition.
Gossips knew otherwise and was able to find the evidence that these houses were located in a historic district created by the Common Council in May 2006 as an expansion of the Warren Street Historic District. Consequently, the proposal to demolish the houses was presented to the Historic Preservation Commission in December. Although the HPC seemed disinclined to grant a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition, an actual decision has not yet been made. A public hearing was scheduled, which was later canceled.
Since our initial submission, we have participated in parallel reviews before the Historic Preservation Commission and have received correspondence from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (SHPO). As a result of feedback received through those processes, particularly regarding the existing buildings' condition and potential for restoration, we have elected to revise our approach to the project.
Accordingly, we are no longer seeking approval for the demolition of the existing structures on either parcel. Instead, the project will proceed as an adaptive reuse, renovation, and restoration of the two existing buildings, maintaining their current form while converting them into additional guest rooms for the Hudson Public Hotel.
The entire letter can be found here.
It's nice to have a happy ending.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CAROLE OSTERINK
Hudson is becoming one big hotel.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carole!
ReplyDeleteWanton Buffoonery. ~ PJ
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent news. Advocates for preserving the two historic homes are deeply pleased, and the city stands to benefit through increased tax revenue and increased visitor engagement. Moreover, the restoration of these historic Hudson homes presents a unique opportunity for the hotel. Highlighting that guests can stay in thoughtfully restored historic residences would be a powerful marketing asset and could justifiably command a premium for those rooms, further enhancing the project’s value while honoring the city’s heritage.
ReplyDeleteIn recognition of her initiative and deep knowledge of Hudson’s history, perhaps the street itself could even be renamed in Carole’s honor.
Does it matter that Hudson residents once lived in those houses but not anymore, perhaps never again? How is that a win for the city and its future? This sets an awful precedent!
ReplyDeleteHooray for historic-looking hotels that contribute to our housing shortage! Win Win!