RESTORING a NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK St

ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY RESTORING A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY RESTORING A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy, Inc. 485 Madison Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY 10022 212-710-9694 stbconservancy.org

Photo Credits Cover: courtesy of Hilton Worldwide. Title Page: John French, III. Page 3 photo details 1: Millard Cook; 2: Percy Preston, Jr.; 3 and 4: C. Evans; 5: Millard Cook. Page 4 upper: John French, III; lower: Linda Moggio. Pages 5 and 6: Millard Cook. Page 7 upper: Acheson Doyle Partners Architects; lower: drawing, Bertram Goodhue, 1916. Pages 8 and 9: Millard Cook. Page 10 upper: C. Evans; lower: Waldorf Astoria. Page 11 left and center: James Salzano; right: Peter Abraham. Page12: C. Evans. Page13 upper: EarthCam, Inc.©; lower: C. Evans. Page14: Irving Underhill, 1918. Page15: Millard Cook. Page16: Acheson Doyle Partners Architects. Page17: James Salazano. Page18 left and lower right: Millard Cook; upper right: Acheson Doyle Partners Architects. Page19 lef t: Bob Johnson; upper right: Millard Cook; lower right: Peter Abraham. Page 20: Millard Cook. Page 21 left: Etsegenet Messele Kebede; right: Millard Cook. Page 22: St. Bartholomew’s Church Archives. Page 23 left and right: C. Evans. Pages 24 - 29: drawings, Acheson Doyle Partners Architects. Page 30 1835, 1872, 1888, 1901: St. Bartholomew’s Church Archives; 1905: unknown. Page 31 1914: Nebra ska Historical Society. Page 31 1918 and 1927: St. Bartholomew’s Church Archives; 1930: Acheson Doyle Partners Architects; 1967: New York City Landmarks Commission; 1980: National Register of Historic Places; 1980s: New York Magazine. Page 32 1992: Joleen Weiss; 2008: Millard Cook; 2011: St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy; 2015: Christopher Little; 2016: Millard Cook; 2017: Ben Asen Photogra phy.

Consultant: Eric Latzky Culture | Communications NY Publication Design: Susan Skoorka, Skoorka Design, New York City Photo Editor: Constance Evans This book was produced as a Certified Carbon Neutral publication by Green Earth Enterprise.

Front Cover: Aerial View of St. Bartholomew’s Church and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Title Page: The St. Bartholomew’s Site from the 35th Floor, Mutual of America Building, 2017 ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carole Bailey French and Constance Evans

Page 6 THE SITE St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House, New York City

Page 10 HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATIONS National Historic Landmark National Register of Historic Places New York City Landmark

Page 12 ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY Our Mission, Our Focus, Our Goals

Page 15 RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION PLANS Brick and Limestone Facades Stained Glass Windows Stanford White “Triple Portal” The Gardens

Page 24 RESTORATION COST ESTIMATES

Page 30 HISTORICAL TIMELINE: 1835 - 2017

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From the President and the Executive Director

ny great and complex building of a past era requires care and consideration, Abut one that bears the imprimatur of designation as a National Historic Landmark, a New York City Landmark, and listing on the National Register of Historic Places, demands n Inside Park on the Great Terrace at St. Bartholomew’s Church. a special kind of attention and guardianship. Moreover, when in such a situation a group of concerned and involved individuals finds itself preserve the Site’s exterior elevations and gardens. community, offering an array of social, cultural and at that hi ghly sensitive point between serious Having already worked to build a lean but effective public services, including a highly regarded pre-school, current need and long-term historic preservation administration, establish priorities, and secure initial a summer camp, and a popular restaurant. opportunity, the quest for broadly based public funding, including funding to complete the restoration We are well aware of the challenging task we have support can become a passionate commitment. and preservation of the Church Building’s iconic Great undertaken (see pages 15-29, Restoration and Preser- St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community Dome, we believe the Conservancy is now ready to vation Plans, for details of the Site’s exterior restoration House sit at a crossroads of Midtown Manhattan’s move forward with appropriate speed and intent to needs and their estimated costs). Hence, it is with dynamic business district, offering an unexpected achieve all its goals. gratitude to our generous initial donors—individuals, oasis, open to all, amidst Park Avenue’s dense It is important to emphasize that the Conservancy foundations, and key corporate partners—that we corridor of soaring commercial towers. While has no involvement with the religious mission of now embark on the project’s pivotal phase. Please join the Landmark Site provides a welcoming respite St. Bart’s Church. Our focus is on exterior restoration us in this long-overdue effort to restore and preserve from the city’s hustle and bustle, its Romanesque n Upper: Carole Bailey French, and preservation and on fundraising exclusively for one of the nation’s great architectural treasures and structure, Byzantine features, and elaborate de- President, Board of Directors; that purpose. That said, many of our donors, including one of New York City’s most unique historic assets. coration give it not only architectural distinction Lower: Constance Evans, Executive Director, St. Bartholomew’s those who typically refrain from supporting projects but also stunning visual presence. Conservancy even remotely associated with a religious institution, With thanks and appreciation to all, Beginning in 2011, the St. Bartholomew’s have been pleased to learn that the St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy, an independent, non-profit tax- Site, in addition to being a national architectural exempt 501(c)(3) organization, committed itself treasure, is also the home of a vibrant spiritual Carole Bailey French Constance Evans to raising the funds necessary to restore and

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From the President and the Executive Director

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THE SITE

St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House, New York City

he St. Bartholomew’s Site on Park Avenue, constructed between 1916 and 1918 and completed in 1930, is an outstanding example of the work of BertramT Grosvenor Goodhue, one of the foremost American architects of his day. St. Bartholomew’s Church is Romanesque in form but rich in colorful, elaborately carved, and inlaid Byzantine decoration. n St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House on Park Avenue. Its main entrance is a monumental Triple Portal designed in 19 03 Stanford by White of McKim, sculptors—Herbert Adams, Philip Martiny and Andrew Meade & White, the legendary New York architects O’Connor, the last a protégé of Daniel Chester French, responsible for the New York Public Library, the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Morgan Library, the Century Association, the The Church Building also features exceptional artwork, University and Metropolitan Clubs, and many other including mosaics by Hildreth Meiere and sculptures by enduring and beloved buildings. A gift of Mrs. Lee Lawrie, both Goodhue associates. It is home to Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt in memory of her late n Triple Portal decorative the largest and perhaps most unique organ in New husband, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the Portal was detail showing Romanesque York City, with 12,422 pipes. inspired by the entry “porch” of the Abbey Church and Byzantine influences. The Commu nity House, the other structure on of St. Gilles-du-Garde in France, which White had the St. Bartholomew’s Site, was initially envisaged as seen and sketched as a young man. Designed an Italianate villa containing administrative offices and and created as the entrance to the previous a Sunday School and connected to the Church Building St. Bartholomew’s Church on Madison Avenue by a cloister garden or garth. In 1926, however, the at 44th Street, it was moved, section by section, Church leadership decided to focus its outreach and reassembled on Park Avenue. Three pairs of ministry on creating a home-away-from-home for the intricately carved and cast bronze doors are set many college-educated young people flocking to New n Bertram Goodhue’s original design for St. Bartholomew’s within the Portal, collectively displaying the work York in search of employment, and the centerpiece Church, 1916. of three celebra ted early 20th-century American was to be a nondenominational Community Club

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THETHE SITE SITE St. Bartholomew’s Church St. Bartholomew’s Church andand Community Community House, House, NewNew York York City City

he St. Bartholomew’s Site on Park he St. Bartholomew’s Site on Park Avenue, constructed between 1916 Avenue, constructed between 1916 andand 1918 1918 and and completed completed in in1930, 1930, is is an anoutstanding outstanding example example of ofthe the work work of of BertramT Grosvenor Goodhue, one of the foremost BertramT Grosvenor Goodhue, one of the foremost AmericanAmerican architects architects of ofhis his day. day. St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s ChurchChurch is Romanesqueis Romanesque in formin form but but rich rich in incolorful, colorful, n St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House on Park Avenue. elaboratelyelaborately carved, carved, and and inlaid inlaid Byzantine Byzantine decoration. decoration. n St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House on Park Avenue. Its Itsmain main entrance entrance is ais monumental a monumental Triple Triple Portal Portal designed in 19 03 Stanford by White of McKim, designed in 19 03 Stanford by White of McKim, sculptors—Herbertsculptors—Herbert Adams, Adams, PhilipPhilip MartinyMartiny andand Andrew Meade & White, the legendary New York architects Meade & White, the legendary New York architects O’Connor,O’Connor, thethe lastlast aa protégéprotégé ofof DanielDaniel ChesterChester French, responsible for the New York Public Library, the responsible for the New York Public Library, the sculptorsculptor of of thethe LincolnLincoln MemorialMemorial inin Washington,Washington, D.C. Morgan Library, the Century Association, the Morgan Library, the Century Association, the TheThe Church Church BuildingBuilding alsoalso featuresfeatures exceptionalexceptional artartwork,work, University and Metropolitan Clubs, and many other University and Metropolitan Clubs, and many other includingincluding mosaics mosaics byby HildrethHildreth MeiereMeiere andand sculpturessculptures by enduring and beloved buildings. A gift of Mrs. enduring and beloved buildings. A gift of Mrs. LeeLee Lawrie, Lawrie, bothboth GoodhueGoodhue associates.associates. ItIt isis home to Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt in memory of her late Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt in memory of her late nnTripleTriple Portal Portal decorative decorative thethe largest largest andand perhapsperhaps mostmost uniqueunique organorgan inin NewNew husband,husband, Cornelius Cornelius Vanderbilt Vanderbilt II, theII, the Portal Portal was was detaildetail showing showing Romanesque Romanesque YorkYork City, City, with with 12,42212,422 pipes.pipes. and Byzantine influences. inspiredinspired by bythe the entry entry “porch” “porch” of ofthe the Abbey AbbeyChurch Church and Byzantine influences. TheThe Community Commu nity House,House, thethe otherother structurestructure on of St.of St.Gilles-du-Garde Gilles-du-Garde in France,in France, which which White White had had thethe St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Site,Site, waswas initiallyinitially envisagedenvisaged as seenseen and and sketched sketched as asa young a young man. man. Designed Designed anan Italianate Italianate villavilla containingcontaining administrativeadministrative officesoffices and andand created created as asthe the entrance entrance to tothe the previous previous aa Sunday Sunday School School andand connectedconnected toto thethe ChuChurchrch Building St. St.Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Church Church on on Madison Madison Avenue Avenue byby a a cloister cloister gardengarden oror garthgarth. . InIn 1926,1926, however,however, thethe at 44that 44th Street, Street, it wasit was moved, moved, section section by by section, section, ChurchChurch leadership leadership decideddecided toto focusfocus itsits outreachoutreach andand reassembled reassembled on on Park Park Avenue. Avenue. Three Three pairs pairs of of ministryministry on on creatingcreating aa home-away-from-homehome-away-from-home for the intricatelyintricately carved carved and and cast cast bronze bronze doors doors are are set set manymany college-educated college-educated youngyoung peoplepeople flockingflocking toto New n Bertram Goodhue’s originaloriginal designdesign forfor St.St. Bartholomew’sBartholomew’s withinwithin the the Portal, Portal, collectively collectively displaying displaying the the work work YorkYork in in search search ofof employment,employment, andand thethe centerpiececenterpiece Church, 1916. of threeof three cel celebra tedebra ted early early 20th-century 20th-century American American waswas to to be be a a nondenominationalnondenominational CommunityCommunity Club

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n Fountain (currently non-working) in the Garth between the Church Building and Community House.

that could be joined for a small annual fee. Goodhue would forever make a visual impact on Park Avenue, himself died in 1924, and his successor firm, Goodhue at the time a new and rapidly developing thoroughfare. Associates, was commissioned to design and build the In his initial proposal to the St. Bartholomew’s Vestry, new Club House. Art Deco in form, the Community he emphasized that the Church Building he imagined House prompts comparison with the Los Angeles Cen- “should not be elbowed and jostled by great apart- tral Library, Goodhue’s last public commission, although ment houses, but should rise through the greenery of the designers made a particular effort to decorate its trees and flowers.” Although Goodhue did not design exterior with Byzantine-inspired ornamentation to the Site’s three gardens (north, south, and garth), two harmonize with the Church. The Community House of them are the work of prize-winning landscape exterior remains much the same today as it was in architects and have received rewards for their design 1927, and while the building’s use has evolved, it is a and execution. The mere fact that they exist today virtual poster child for historic preservation, having sur- (lovingly cared for over the years by myriad volunteers) vived a highly controversial and ultimately unsuccessful preserves Goodhue’s vision of the Site as an oasis effort in the 1980’s to replace it with a 59-story office of beauty and calm amidst the bustle and roar of n Reflection of St. Bartholomew’s Church on the windows of the Mutual of America Building on Park Avenue. building. It was Goodhue’s wish that St. Bartholomew’s one of the City’s grandest boulevards. n

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n Fountain (currently non-working) in the Garth between the Church Building and Community House.

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HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATIONS

National Historic Landmark National Register of Historic Places New York City Landmark

hile many historic places are important locally or at a state level, Wthere are exceptions that have meaning for all Americans. National Historic n Exceptional works by renowned artists. Left: Lee Lawrie, architectural sculptor, St. Bartholomew’s Pulpit, 1925. Landmark (NHL) designation recognizes properties Center: Hildreth Meiere, mosaicist and muralist, Narthex Domes, 1930. Right: Andrew O’Connor, sculptor, Triple Portal that are significant to the nation as a whole. center Bronze Door detail, 1903. National Historic Landmarks are places that “possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating and interpreting the heritage of the United States.” Historic Landmarks Committee and recommended Recognizing its masterful integration of architec- Today, just over 2,500 historic places bear this to the National Park System Advisory Board. The ture and art, the deliberating bodies concurred national distinction. Working with citizens through- Advisory Board then makes its recommendation that the St. Bartholomew’s Site is a pivotal example out the nation, the National Historic Landmarks to the Secretary of the Interior who makes the final of the work of its architect, Bertram Grosvenor Program draws upon the expertise of National decision on whether a property possesses national Goodhue, one of the nation’s foremost ecclesiastical Park Service (NPS) staff who guide the significance for NHL designation. architects. Equally important and key to Goodhue’s nomination process. [The St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy nomination iconographic program are the Site’s unique The path to designation as a National Historic of St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House decoration and exceptional works by renowned Landmark is rigorous, taking on average from can be accessed at stbconservan cy.org under the tab artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. two to five years. Beginning with an initial letter About Historic Preservation and Restoration.] Since 1980 the St. Bartholomew’s Site has been of inquiry, the propert y must meet stringent criteria On November 16, 2015 at a public hearing in listed on the National Register of Historic Places. and have the potential to become an NHL before Washington, D.C., the NPS Landmarks Committee Notably, of 90,000 properties currently listed on a full nomination can be submitted. NHL Program unanimously recommended the St. Bartholomew’s Site the National Register, only three percent have been staff and other professionals, including historians, and on June 2, 2016, the NPS Advisory Board followed named as National Historic Landmarks. architectural historians, archeologists, and anthro- suit with its unanimous recommendation. On October St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community pologists, all of whom provide their assessments 31, 2016, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and House were designated a New York City Landmark and recommendations, review the nomination n Top: Bronze plaque citing the NHL NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis announced the confirma- in 1967, the same year as Grand Central Station and extensively. Following a 60-day public comment designation; Lower: The St. Bartholomew’s tion of St. Bartholomew's Church and Community the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and deservedly period, the nomination is reviewed by the National Site, an oasis in Midtown Manhattan. House as one of 10 new National Historic Landmarks. among the first of such designations. n

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HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATIONS

National Historic Landmark National Register of Historic Places New York City Landmark

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THE CONSERVA NCY

Our Mission Our Focus Our Goals

he St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy (SBC) was realized in its contempo- rary iteration in 2011, succeeding the St. Bartholomew’s Preservation TFoundation, an earlier effort to restore the important and historic St. Bartholomew’s Site. Since its inception, SBC has been actively n EarthCam, Inc. view of the Great Dome restoration atop St. Bartholomew’s Church, July 2017. fundraising as an independent, nonprofit, tax- exempt 501(c)(3) corporation. While it has no involvement with the religious mission of The Conservancy’s initial focus has been on raising St. Bartholomew’s Church, SBC operates under the funds necessary to commence restoring, preserving an agreement with the Church Vestry that gives and maintaining the Church Building’s signature Great the Conservancy lead responsibility for raising Dome. In 2006 St. Bartholomew’s launched its first-ever funds from sources outside the congregation that capital campaign and followed up with a second, wholly n Triple Portal detail of doorway are necessary to restore, preserve, and maintain internal one, in 2011. Both campaigns raised funds re- side archivolt, decorated with acanthus the exteriors of the Site’s two buildings and the stricted to Great Dome restoration, but not enough to leaves and animals. gardens that surround them. actually commence work. Beginning in 2014, however, Working within that framework, SBC seeks to the Conservancy was successful in closing the approxi- restore and preserve this extraordinary National mately $1.8 million fundraising gap, allowing the yearlong Historic Landmark for the people of New York project to begin on July 1, 2016. City and the nation. The Conservancy now has a fundraising goal of $20 Crucially, the work of the Conservancy is million to restore, preserve, and maintain the facades of focused on strengthening and preserving the both the Church Building and the Community House. long-term integrity of the structures for future This will include restoring and preserving the monumen- generations; it is also concerned with the Site’s tal Stanford White-designed Triple Portal, the official Park stunning visual impact on the casual passerby, the Avenue entrance to the Church, plus the many stained neighborhood resident, and those who look upon glass windows and the colorful brick and limestone n Construction workers installing new Dome tiles it from the surrounding towers. inlay adorning the eight facades. n .

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THETHE CONSERVANCY CONSERVA NCY

OurOur Mission Mission OurOur Focus Focus OurOur Goals Goals

hehe St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Conservancy Conservancy (SBC)(SBC) was was realized realized in in its its contempo- contempo- raryrary i terationiteration in 2011, in 2011, succeeding succeeding thethe St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Preservation Preservation TFoundation,TFoundation, an an earlier earlier effort effort to to restore restore the the importantimportant and and historic historic St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Site. Site. SinceSince its its inception, inception, SBC SBC has has been been actively actively n EarthCam,EarthCam, Inc.Inc. viewview ofof thethe GreatGreat Dome Dome restoration restoration atop atop St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Church, Church, July July 2017. 2017. fundraisingfundraising as as an an independent, independent, nonprofit, nonprofit, tax- tax- exemptexempt 501(c)(3) 501(c)(3) corporation. corporation. While While it it has has nono involvement involvement with with the the religious religious mission mission of of TheThe Conservancy’sConservancy’s initialinitial focusfocus has has been been on on raising raising St.S t.Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Church, Church, SBC SBC operates operates under under thethe fundsfunds necessarynecessary toto commencecommence restoring, restoring, preserving preserving anan agreement agreement with with the the C Churchhurch stry that Ve Vestry gives that gives and maintainingmaintaining thethe ChurchChurch Building’sBuilding’s signature signature Great Great thethe Conservancy Conservancy lead lead responsibility responsibility for for raising raising Dome. InIn 20062006 St.St. Bartholomew’sBartholomew’s launched launched its its first-ever first-ever fundsfunds from from sources sources outside outside the the congregation congregation that that capital campaigncampaign andand followedfollowed upup with with a a second, second, wholly wholly nn TripleTriple Portal Portal detaildetail ofof doorwaydoorway areare necessary necessary to to restore, restore, preserve, preserve, and and maintain maintain internalinternal one,one, inin 2011.2011. BothBoth campaignscampaig ns raised raised funds funds re- re- sideside archivolt, archivolt, decorated decorated withwith acanthusacanthus thethe exteriors exteriors of of the the Site’s Site’s two two buildings buildings and and the the strictedstricted toto GreatGreat DomeDome restoration,restoration, but but not not enough enough to to leavesleaves and and animals. animals. gardensgardens that that surround surround them. them. actually commencecommence work.work. BBeginningeginning in in 2014, 2014, however, however, WorkingWorking within within that that framework, framework, SBC SBC seeks seeks to to thethe ConservancyConservancy waswas successfulsuccessful inin closing closing the the approxi- approxi- restorerestore and and preserve preserve this this extraordinary extraordinary NationalNational mately $1.8$1.8 millionmillion fundraisingfundraising gap,gap, allowing allowing the the yearlong yearlong HistoricHistoric Landmark Landmark for for the the people people of of New New York York project toto beginbegin onon JulyJuly 1,1, 2016.2016. City and the nation. City and the nation. TheThe ConservancyConservancy nownow hashas aa fundraisingfundraising goal goal of of $20 $20 Crucially, the work of the Conservancy is Cru cially, the work of the Conservancy is million toto restore,restore, preserve,preserve, andand maintainmaintain the the facades facades of of focused on strengthening and preserving the focused on strengthening and preserving the both thethe ChurchChurch BuildingBuilding andand thethe Community Community House. House. long-term integrity of the structures for future long-term integrity of the structures for future This willwill includeinclude restoringrestoring andand preservingpreserving the the monumen- monumen- generations; it is also concerned with the Site’s generations; it is also concerned with the Site’s taltal StanfordStanford White-designedWhite-designed Triple Triple Portal, Portal, the the offi officialcial Pa Parkrk stunning visual impact on the casual passerby, the stunning visual impact on the casual passerby, the Avenue entranceentrance toto thethe Church,Church, plusplus the the many many stained stained neighborhood resident, and those who look upon glass windows and the colorful brick and limestone n neighborhood resident, and those who look upon glass windows and the colorful brick and limestone nConstructionConstruction workers workers installing installing new new Dome Dome tiles tiles it from the surrounding towers. n it from the surrounding towers. inlayinlay adorningadorning thethe eighteight facades.facades. n . .

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nnSt.St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Church Church undergoing undergoing construction construction on on Park Park Avenue, Avenue, May May 17, 17, 1918. 1918. Opposite: Opposite: ConstructionConstruction workersworkers andand scaffolding scaffolding atop atop the the Dome, Dome, July July 2016. 2016.

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RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION PLANS

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RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION PLANS

Restoring and Preserving the St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House Exteriors

he restoration and preservation of St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House exteriors is a prodigious, complex and highly sensitive task. The large and uniqueT buildings feature intricate ornamental detail, and the materials and techniques employed in the process must adhere to the highest artisanal standards. The work must be carefully phased and scheduled to avoid repeated treatment and, impor- tantly, redundancy of specially constructed scaffolding, n Engineering probe of the Community House a significant cost factor. The St. Bartholomew’s Facade, showing the effects of steel expansion on Conservancy has determined that the most logical a masonry wall. and economical approach divides the comprehensive undertaking into four major project groups: of all available information and documentation. This was followed by Site surveys and visual in- n Brick and Limestone Facades spections undertaken to verify existing conditions, n Stained Glass Windows further delineate the scope of required work, n Stanford White “Triple Portal” and identify any other Site conditions relevant n The Gardens to both scope and cost. ADP prepared budget estimates in conjunction with construction firms he award-winning architectura l firm selected in the New York metropolitan area that have Tfor the project is Acheson Doyle Partners had experience resto ring landmark sites. Likewise, Architects (ADP), a leader in historic restoration conclusions and recommendations reflect ADP’s and committed to responsible stewardship of cultural professional opinions based on their experience and historic properties. ADP has been engaged to with analagous projects and familiarity with the establish a preliminary scope of work and budget requirements of the New York City Landmarks estimates. Scope determination began with a review Preservation Commission.

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Brick and Limestone Facades

n St. Bartholomew’s Church, North Facade with decorative Byzantine inlay and Gallery Colonnade.

mong New York City’s most recognizable build- ledges, carved friezes, columns, capitals, and window Aings, St. Bartholomew’s Church and its adjacent tracery. Recalling architectural antecedents in Italy, Community House were once quite colorful. Conser- Ista nbul, and England, marble, granite, and limestone vancy-funded restoration seeks to return them to are also integrated into the Gallery Colonnades their original vibrancy. Stylistically Romanesque with atop the Church Building and at mid-level on the Byzantine ornamentation, the Buildings’ facades are Community House. artful brick and limestone compositions. The multiple A conditions assessment has shown that the size bricks feature an array of iron spot colors ran- facades’ mortar joints are surprisingly thin, given domly placed throughout, resulting in a rich interplay the generally coarse nature of the sand they contain, of mottled colors, patterns and motifs. Interspersed and a full repointing of all the facades is likely war- among the brickfields on the Church Building is an ranted to achieve a uniform result. Much of the equally rich array of limestone and marble units, limestone ornamentation, including window tracery, including dimensioned blocks, quoins, molded sills, is similarly compromised and requires replacement.

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n Detail of the Church brickwork and limestone Colonnade showing deterioration. Top right: Detail of the Community House brickwork and limestone revealing substantial cracking. Lower right: Detail of the Community House west facade.

Expert probing has revealed that among the multiple frames and concrete slab flooring. Over time, brick sizes used, the largest consistently displays sur- water infiltrated the walls and rusted the embedded face exfoliation. Fortunately, because of its localized steel supports, causing them to expand. nature, the condition can be remedied on the four Such steel expansion pushes exterior masonry Church Building facades using minimally invasive tech- walls outward, further accelerating the rate of deterio- niques. The same cannot be said of the Community ration by allowing even more water to penetrate. This House, which has additional problems stemming from accounts for a higher square-foot cost for restoration construction practices of the late 1920’s that placed and preservation of the Community House facades exterior masonry walls in close contact with steel than fo r similar work on the Church Building.

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StainedStained GlassGlass WindowsWindows

n n Left:Left: InspectionInspection ofof thethe Wheel Wheel Window’sWindow’s tracery;tracery; Top Top right:right: Detail,Detail, SouthSouth FacadeFacade windows;windows; LowerLower right:right: Interior detail of the Wheel Window. Interior detail of the Wheel Window.

he Church Building’s stained glass windows are Park Avenue from the congregation’s prior Madison he Church Building’s stained glass windows are Park Avenue from the congregation’s prior Madison the work of celebrated artisans of their day. The Avenue location. The so-called Wheel Window (24 Tthe work of celebrated artisans of their day. The Avenue location. The so-called Wheel Window (24 TNorth Facade’s clerestory windows were designed feet in diameter, 75 feet in circumference), is the North Facade’s clerestory windows were designed feet in diameter, 75 feet in circumference), is the by Hildreth Meiere, the famed muralist and mosaicist largest. Its stained glass was installed in 1943, a gift by Hildreth Meiere, the famed muralist and mosaicist largest. Its stained glass was installed in 1943, a gift whose work in New York City can also be seen at of Emily Vanderbilt White. In addition to the replace- whose work in New York City can also be seen at of Emily Vanderbilt White. In addition to the replace- Rockefeller Center and Temple Emanu-El. Other ment of much of the limestone window tracery, Rockefeller Center and Temple Emanu-El. Other ment of much of the limestone window tracery, windows were designed and executed by the Boston restoration and preserv ation of the windows will windows were designed and executed by the Boston restoration and preserv ation of the windows will firm of Reynolds, Francis & Rohnstock. A few by 19th- require removing decades of soot and grime before firm of Reynolds, Francis & Rohnstock. A few by 19th- require removing decades of soot and grime before century glass artist Owen Bonwit, were brought to applying a special sealant. century glass artist Owen Bonwit, were brought to applying a special sealant.

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StanfordStanford White White “Triple “Triple Portal” Portal”

nnStanfordStanford White’s White’s celebrated celebrated Triple Triple Portal, Portal, St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Church Church entrance, entrance, sculpted sculpted by by HerbertHerbert Adams, Adams, AndrewAndrew O’Connor, O’Connor, and and Philip Philip Martiny Martiny in in 1903 1903 and and moved moved to to Park Park Avenue Avenue in in 1918. 1918.

hehe main main entrance entrance to to St. St. Bartholomew’s Bartholomew’s Church Church CipollinoCipollino marble. marble. Seventy-five Seventy-five feetfeet long,long, itit providesprovides TTonon Park Park Avenue Avenue is isthrough through the the limestone limestone struc- struc- aa monumental monumental base base for for thethe talltall piercedpierced screenscreen ofof thethe tureture known known as as the the Triple Triple Portal, Portal, or or more more familiarly, familiarly, the the impressiveimpressive stained stained glass glass windowswindows risingrising aboveabove it.it. “Vanderbilt“Vanderbilt Portal,” Portal,” which which had had been been commissioned commissioned by by EachEach of of the the Portal’s Portal’s threethree archesarches framesframes aa talltall AliceAlice Gwynne Gwynne Vanderbilt Vanderbilt in in memory memory of of her her late late hus- hus- BronzeBronze Door Door that that depicts depicts inin basbas reliefrelief episodesepisodes fromfrom band,band, Cornelius Cornelius Vanderbilt Vanderbilt II, II,for for the the congregation’s congregation’s thethe Old Old and and New New Testaments. Testaments. The The BronzeBronze DoorsDoors areare earlierearlier Madison Madison Avenue Avenue location. location. Designed Designed by by thethe work work of of cel celeb ebra ratedted American American sculptorssculptors HerbertHerbert StanfordStanford White White in in 1903 1903 and an d move moved din in 1918 1918 to to Park Park Adams,Adams, Philip Philip Martiny, Martiny, and and Andrew Andrew O’Connor,O’Connor, thethe lastlast Avenue,Avenue, it itis ismade made of of white white limestone limestone and and subtly subtly hued hued aa protégé protégé of of Daniel Daniel Chester Chester French.French. InIn acceptingaccepting thethe

2020 ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCYCONSERVANCY

n n Left:Left: ColumbiaColumbia UniversityUniversity GraduateGraduate Students Students and and Faculty, Faculty, in in collaboration collaboration withwith thethe Conservancy,Conservancy, examineexamine thethe Triple Triple Portal Portal conditions. conditions. Right: Right: Triple Triple Portal detaildetail highlightinghighlighting deteriorationdeterioration of of the the Cipollino Cipollino marble marble columns. columns.

St. Bartholomew’s commission, Bertram Goodhue St. Bartholomew’s commission, Bertram Goodhue studentsstudents atat thethe ColumbiaColumbia University University Graduate Graduate School School observed that the Triple Portal was “universally observed that the Triple Portal was “universally ofof ArchitectureArchitecture PlanningPlanning & & Preservation Preservation / /Historic Historic regarded by architects and public alike as one of Preservation Program. One recommendation to be regarded by architects and public alike as one of Preservation Program. One recommendation to be the most beautiful things, perhaps the most beautiful considered from the study, i f feasible, is to restore the most beautiful things, perhaps the most beautiful considered from the study, if feasible, is to restore thing of its kind in America.” The requirement to and permanently seal the Cipollino columns as an thing of its kind in America.” The requirement to and permanently seal the Cipollino columns as an incorporate the Triple Portal into his overall design alternative to replacing them. Substantial work, incorporate the Triple Portal into his overall design alternative to replacing them. Substantial work, freed Goodhue to engage in stylistic experimentation, however, will need to be done on the Portal’s myriad freed Goodhue to engage in stylistic experimentation, however, will need to be done on the Portal’s myriad drawing on a vari ety of historical sources, ranging from stone sculptures and on the Bronze Doors, which drawing on a vari ety of historical sources, ranging from stone sculptures and on the Bronze Doors, which Venetian Romanesque to English Gothic, all the while currently cannot be opened and closed and therefore Venetian Romanesque to English Gothic, all the while currently cannot be opened and closed and therefore incorporating rearranged decorative elements from are not visible from Park Avenue. The broad bank incorporating rearranged decorative elements from are not visible from Park Avenue. The broad bank the congregation’s previous location. of Limestone Steps leading up to the Triple Portal the congregation’s previous location. of Limestone Steps leading up to the Triple Portal Estimating the cost of restoring and preserving is eroded beyond repair and must be replaced, Estimating the cost of restoring and preserving is eroded beyond repair and must be replaced, the Triple Portal has been facilitated by a conditions potentially with a more durable stone acceptable the Triple Portal has been facilitated by a conditions potentially with a more durable stone acceptable assessment conducted by faculty and graduate to the New York City Landmarks Commission. assessment conducted by faculty and graduate to the New York City Landmarks Commission.

21 21 ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY

The Gardens

n The award-winning Cheatham Garden surrounds the Church Building’s North Transept entrance. Designed in 1972 by Landscape Architect Paschall Campbell, with Hamby, Kennerly, Slomanson & Smith, the garden must now be restored.

oodhue did not live to see the Church open spaces. In warm weather it accommodates Gand Community House completed, but the Inside Park, a popular outdoor restaurant that the architects and designers who succeeded him loyally New York Landmarks Conservancy has praised for fulfilled his wish for a vision “that should rise through its creative use of historic urban space. the greenery of trees and flowers.” The bluestone On the north side of the Church there was a steps leading up to the Great Terrace at the corner small Japanese-style evergreen garden, the Cheatham of Park Avenue and 50th Street are flanked by a pair Garden, designed by Landscape Architect Paschall of gardens, which date from 1927. The Terrace itself, Campbell in collaboration with the architectural firm an elevated bluestone and red quarry tile piazzetta, Hamby, Kennerly, Slomanson & Smith, and completed remains one of midtown Park Avenue’s cherished in 1972. That same year, it received awards from the

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n Left: The site of the Cheatham Garden, now being used for scaffolding. Right: A view of the Garth, showing the West Wall in need of restoration.

Fifth Avenue Association, the American Society of House and an enclosed three-sided arched corridor Landscape Architects, and the New York Society of attached to the Church Building. It is an artifact of Architects, the last a Certificate of Excellence for Goodhue’s original design for a cypress fronted Design. Originally a series of evergreen-planted plat- Italianate villa and garden where the Community forms with water flowing through now gravel-filled House now stands. A sunken space filled with channels, the garden surrounded the Church Building’s potted plants and shrubs and equipped with a no North Transept entrance, which Goodhue designed longer functioning stone fountain, it also contains a as a way for the aged and handicapped to enter the finely carved memorial to the Hoyt family, its original building without having to climb stairs. benefactors, and, like the Great Terrace, is paved The Garth, tucked between the Church Building with red quarry tile. and Community House, is the third and smallest Because portions of the various gardens will garden on the Site and the only one not visible or be used to mount scaffolding, they are sequentially accessible from the street. In European monastic the last items on the Conservancy’s list of restoration architecture, a garth is an open area surrounded and preservation projects. Hence, restoration cost by an arched cloister or loggia. The St. Bartholomew’s estimates for the gardens must await completion Garth is framed by the north wall of the Community of the other projects. n

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n n HISTORICAL TIMELINE: 1835-2017 1914 1918 The St. Bartholomew’s Vestry The St. Bartholomew’s engages celebrated architect Congregation moves Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue to its still unfinished to design a new Church complex new home. n 1835 n 1872 n 1888 on the newly named Park Avenue (formerly Fourth Avenue). Goodhue’s design is to include the Stanford White Triple Portal, which will be dismantled, trans- ported, and reassembled on the Park Avenue site.

n 1927 n 1930 The 42nd Street Parish House is sold. A new Community House goes up on the St. Bartholomew’s Church is 50th Street side of the Park founded in New York City. Its St. Bartholomew’s Church opens its 42nd St. Bartholomew’s Church moves Avenue site, the home of American Colonial Style building Street Parish House, offering a large immigrant to a new building designed by a nondenominational rises at the corner of Great Jones population English language instruction, job- James Renwick on Madison “Community Club” catering Street and Lafayette Place in finding assistance, loans, youth services, and Avenue at 44th Street. to young professionals. Lower Manhattan. a medical clinic that is later expanded into a full-fledged hospital. The iconic Great Dome is added and the Church interior is finished with mosaics and stained glass windows by Hildreth Meier n 1901 n 1905 and Art Deco sculptures by Lee Lawrie.

n 1967 n 1980 n 1980s The “Battle for St. Bart’s” erupts over a proposal to replace the Community Leopold Stokowski is hired as House with an Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt (Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt II) Organist and Choirmaster. The The St. Bartholomew’s Site is office tower. commissions Stanford White to design a Triple Portal Choir is distinguished not only by listed on the National Register for the Madison Avenue Church. Renowned sculptors The St. Bartholomew’s its size, but also by its inclusion of of Historic Places. Herbert Adams, Philip Martiny, and Andrew O’Connor Site is designated a New York both male and female voices. create the Bronze Doors and Sculpted Friezes in 1903. City Landmark.

30 31 ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY

n 1927 n 1930 The 42nd Street Parish House is sold. A new Community House goes up on the St. Bartholomew’s Church is 50th Street side of the Park founded in New York City. Its St. Bartholomew’s Church opens its 42nd St. Bartholomew’s Church moves Avenue site, the home of American Colonial Style building Street Parish House, offe ring a large immigrant to a new building designed by a nondenominational rises at the corner of Great Jones population English language instruction, job- James Renwick on Madison “Community Club” catering Street and Lafayette Place in finding assistance, loans, youth services, and Avenue at 44th Street. to young professionals. Lower Manhattan. a medical clinic that is later expanded into a full-fledged hospital. The iconic Great Dome is added and the Church interior is finished with mosaics and stained glass windows by Hildreth Meier n 1901 n 1905 and Art Deco sculptures by Lee Lawrie.

n 1967 n 1980 n 1980s The “Battle for St. Bart’s” erupts over a proposal to replace the Community Leopold Stokowski is hired as House with an Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt (Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt II) Organist and Choirmaster. The The St. Bartholomew’s Site is office tower. commissions Stanford White to design a Triple Portal Choir is distinguished not only by listed on the National Register for the Madison Avenue Church. Renowned sculptors The St. Bartholomew’s its size, but also by its inclusion of of Historic Places. Herbert Adams, Philip Martiny, and Andrew O’Connor Site is designated a New York both male and female voices. create t he Bronze Doors and Sculpted Friezes in 1903. City Landmark.

30 31 n 1992 n 2008 After a two-year, Church-led “Campaign for St. Bart’s,” restoration of the St. Bartholomew’s Site begins with the re-lining of 56 leaking drains within the Church walls, reconstruction of the Great Terrace, and the 50th Street The U. S. Supreme Court resolves the matter in Parapet Wall. Inside Park, the favor of the New York City Landmarks Commission, Site’s popular restaurant, opens. supported by such notables as Brooke Astor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Ed Koch, and Brendan Gill. The St. Bartholomew’s Preservation Foundation is established as a “Supporting Organization.”

n 2011 n 2015

The St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy and the Vestry of St. Bartholomew’s Church agree that fundraising to restore th e exterior of the Site’s buildings and surrounding gardens will be led by the Conservancy.

The St. Bartholomew’s Conser- The National Historic Landmarks Committee of the National Park vancy, a wholly independent tax- Service Advisory Board unanimously recommends designation of the exempt nonprofit organization, St. Bartholomew’s Site as a National Historic Landmark, citing its importance replaces the St. Bartholomew’s as an exceptional work of architecture, replete with outstanding works Preservation Foundation. by renowned artists and artisans.

n 2016 n 2017

The National Park Service designates the St. Bartholomew’s Site a National The St. Bartholomew’s Conservancy tu rns its attention to Historic Landmark. The St. Bartholomew’s fundraising for restoration and preservation of the Church Build- Conservancy completes fundraising for ing and Community House facades. On May 23, a representative Great Dome restoration, allowing that of the National Park Service presents the plaque, formally con- project to commence on July 1. firming the Site’s status as a National Historic Landmark.

32 ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CONSERVANCY RESTORING A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK St. Bartholomew’s Church and Community House