tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723709701684173708.post5397745100628571757..comments2024-03-28T17:55:31.180-04:00Comments on The Gossips of Rivertown: Historic Preservation According to GallowayCarole Osterinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16010623982526286408noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5723709701684173708.post-53931349505149414252012-07-13T10:25:17.806-04:002012-07-13T10:25:17.806-04:00Hi, Carol: As the former owner of 412 Warren Stre...Hi, Carol: As the former owner of 412 Warren Street, I would like to express my opinion on the work done to this building. When we first rehabbed this building (and I mean "rehab", not "restore"), it was, quite literally, saved from being a parking lot. Already missing were porches that wrapped around the front & most everything in the interior. A fire had gutted the third floor. Even with a hefty mortgage & rent subsidies, we were only able to repair, not restore or replace, a lot of the slate roof. Parts of the roof was repaired, if memory serves, with asphalt shingles, but, since it wasn't visible from the street, most people wouldn't know that. Due to the extremely high heating costs, we were forced to later add storm windows, which cut off the beauty of the arches in the first floor windows. Nonetheless, it was saved from the wrecking ball, and was home for many people in the intervening years. <br />By the time we sold it, we knew it would soon be time for major repairs, and we didn't have the resources, nor could the rents support such an undertaking. So to have Galvan come in an do such a wonderful job to this landmark building makes me very happy. It's a testament to our hard work, and our tenants throughout the years who respected the building, and now Galvan's, that it will still here for many more years, for tourists to photograph, numerous people to live in, and all to enjoy. <br />When we were first doing this building per NYSHPO instructions, they made us aware of something called "continuing history" or something similar. What it meant was that every building was not necessarily to be restored to its original condition, but consideration was to be given to later additions & changes through the years. I don't know how many of us would appreciate it now, but at some point, aluminum siding will be part of a building's continuing history. Ditto those old wacky fake brick-looking sidings. And incongruous additions.<br />Now, to play your game: 1. We can see the beautiful arched windows again. 2. There are copper gutters & flashing, a distinctive upgrade. 3. The main entry overhang is repaired and not leaking onto the front steps. Ditto the fascia & soffits. <br />And personally, I like the "Adams Family" topper. It's a whimsical addition that suits the house & could easily be removed by a purist in the future. I'm sure the house is smiling now. We should be too. <br />Mary Ann GazzolaMAGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12043629922148417538noreply@blogger.com