Edgewater - The Culmination of Hudson River Vision

Last Wednesday, I went to the finale lecture in the summer series at the Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America - what a fantastic event!

The architect who worked on Edgewater, Michael Dwyer, spoke of how he approached tasteful construction while preserving the intent of the original. Edgewater is Federal-style house with a Doric portico on Hudson River. The product contains striking Classical arrangments that are distinctly American.

My takeaway from the evening came during the Q&A. Dwyer was asked something about his preference to the Classical style instead of Modern or Contemporary influences when the Classical reverts to ideas that have already ripened. He answered that both Classical and Modern use their own unique grammar to innovate. In the years wherein my taste towards to Classical, I had frequently been challenged on similar terms and I found Dwyer's defense illuminating and helpful.

Many people have trouble seeing the challenge of historic restoration or movements that hark back to these clearly articulated styles as an art of copy, but it is not that simple. Much of what Dwyer accomplished was possible because he used the Classical models as a template, but put together elements that were not used together before in the same way.

Dwyer's addition of a guest house and pool complex commanded an expert understanding of how Classical could bring new ideas and creativity to the building process while preserving the history and intent of the original construction.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

It was like a swarm of bees surrounding a hive on Saturday afternoon at the Hill's home in Suffield, CT. Our innocent offer of a front door lantern turned into an incredible two days of doing the nearly impossible for our company of handcrafted lighting. Once arriving on the scene to deliver the entire package of exterior lighting for the new house, we realized we were one of thousands pulling out all stops for the pleasure of seeing something wonderful unfold before our eyes. The community's generosity was impressive and inspiring.

Jon and I were so shocked that in this swarm of bees it was nearly impossible to detect the queen bee. Of the hundreds on the scene Saturday afternoon, there was a sense of total excitement, yet calm, while fire alarms were being tested, sod was laid, sprinklers were going, a patio was arranged, clapboards were still being cut and placed, trim painting and wallpaper being hung, cabinets being made from intricate plans under nearby tents. Everybody knew how they were meant to participate and we were part of the coordinated chaos. Ultimately, we were able to work with our own team and two electricians to hang the exterior lighting without being dragged down by the enormity of the project.

The feeling of community was indescribable - everyone was part of a puzzle with each part integral to the overall completion.

Historic Homes on the Hudson River Valley 1663-1915

When thinking of historic homes, I see a general trajectory of Northeastern homes and their stylistic evolution over time. On June 24th, Dr. Gregory Long spoke of the developments along the Hudson River Valley, fleshing out a characteristic regional style that I had not been exposed to previously. Dominant styles were articulated and gained popularity due to the influence of specific the European nations ruling the Hudson territory. For example, while the Dutch occupied Manhattan, the Dutch Vernacular style dominated, while the Georgian ruled during the British occupation before the Revolutionary War. Revivals and movements that gained prominence at a national level did not necessary resonate with the Hudson geography if they did not correspond with the regional leadership. In my opinion, styles that worked particularly well for the riverside include the Gothic Revival and Picturesque (i.e. Lyndhurst) although the Federal style clearly stands out as well (i.e. James Vanderpoel House).

Lyndhyrst in Tarrytown, Westchester County, NY (1838-1865)

James Vanderpoel House in Kinderhook, Columbia County, NY (c. 1819)