81 South Hamilton Street

Restored appearance, the tower has a view to the river. 

Conservatory room restoration shown here in progress included removal of a 1920's bedroom addition.  The brick wall to the left is a multi-unit apartment building sited over what had been the rear yard, separating mansion from it's carriage house, sporting similar architectural design.

Front restoration in progress, Hamilton Row Historic District begins here and moves to the left.

Circa 1850’s Italianate second empire private home located in Poughkeepsie, NY. 

Commissioned to guide the owners and provide code and construction permit application assistance,  advise on conservation techniques and details.   Resulting in the restoration as a single family residence with two accessory dwellings.  Alterations made in the 1920's were removed, reducing dwelling count from eight to three.  Apartments remain within the mansard to continue the legal status as a multiple dwelling.

Though documented and listed as contributory to Hamilton Row Historic District in the 1980's,  it had, by the mid-90's, become vacant, leaking and having no evident ownership.  In danger of being lost to the wrecking ball, and considering the state of affairs at the time, only persons having incredible vision, confidence and dedication could ever undertake such a challenge.

And so, having rejected my attempt to talk them out of it, a local family acted to save it.  

After performing a weather resistance enhancement project using an applied-by-owner Acrymax elastomeric coating system, and having sold their other home so they could not back out, residency was established with children and furniture holed up within one of the third level apartments.   

Living behind a heavy blanket used as heat control, they worked days and nights removing the inappropriate alterations.  And together with tradesmen discovered and interpreted the treasure of lost details, missing walls, closets and doorways.  Removing and recycling inappropriate alterations.  Restoring original features as the art glass multi-paned conservatory windows, generous sized plaster coated rooms, ample doors, woodwork, hardware and windows. 

Existing as a multi family dwelling under the MRL code, the corridor sprinkler system and opening protectives have been allowed to remain.  New multi stage hot-water boiler and thermostatic radiator valves replaced the blanket.  Knob and tube wiring was removed and replaced with new electrics eventually to power period antique lighting devices.

Loose plaster was stabilized and resurfaced, original tin ceilings restored, various closet and butler pantry casework recreated, final finishes have been applied.  The kitchen cooking-fireplace was restored and properly fitted with a period correct antique cast-iron stove the owners had fitted with modern electric elements.   Today just the parlor and the music room remain in a state of disrepair.