OHW

hey everyone,
I have been something of a lurker for a while, so well here's a post. First, hi, I'm Nick, I'm 17 and am a high school senior, and will be going to most likely either Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute or Syracuse University in upstate NY (got accepted, now just need to choose). Well, historic architecture and preservation is a huge passion of mine, and actually the field (historic preservation) I want to go into. Historic architecture is also one of the reasons I love upstate NY, so when I was visiting a friend this Spring Break in Troy, I had to get out and see some of the georgeous historic architecture Im so in love with.
And now Im sad. With upstate NY being so economically depressed, so many amazing gems are just wasting away and being torn down; its heart breaking. I had several specific houses in mind whose progress Ive been tracking for the last few years. None broke my heart more than the Burrell Overlook Mansion however. Located in the small town of Little Falls, NY, it is an outstanding piece of architecture; a mansion of mammoth proportions. Built by famouse upstate architect Archimedes Russell (same guy who designed original Syracuse University building), it is of huge historical significance, both to the city of Little Falls and NY state. It was built on the side on the mountains overlooking Little Falls and the Hudson River, and was way ahead of its time. Boasting an original bowling alley, indoor swimming pool, elevator, rooftop terrace, and amazing (and mortar-less if I remember correctly) stonework, it was built for D.H. Burrell, who was the biggest dairy producer in the United States at that time. He financed the construction of several other important city buildings in the town as well.
Amazing, right? Well, apparently someone didn't think so because in May 2002 everything inside the house, inlcluding furniture, original light fixtures, wall and ceiling murals and even some woodwork was auctioned off. It was then left alone. For years it has been abandoned, and this magnificent mansion is wasting away. And it makes me sick. Finally, in early 2007 someone in Florida purchased the house, so it seemed that a good future was on the way. However, nothing has been done, and in the mean time, the portico and front porch have collapsed, leaving debri everywhere. When I drove up there, it scared me how easily someone could just walk up and take all the original spindles, railings, and other architectural details that were just lying on the ground. Worse, a little falls resident had called the new owner, who indicated to them that since rehabiliting the mansion would be too expensive, he would tear it down and replace it with a newer, bigger structure. i hope more than anything this is just a rumor, because it little falls loses this castle, it will be losing a huge chunk of its history. this place can just not be torn down. The fate of this mansion just hangs in limbo right now ...
Anyway, now onto some pics... (Oh, and here's the photobucket link for all the pics): http://s303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/nickdrummond/

Some more pics...

















Here's an original newspaper clipping after D.H. Burrell's death. He also financed the construction of several important buildings in town, and is still remembered by residents today.

(Oh and sorry, some of the photos are getting cut off on the right-I guess they're a little too big). And also the interior pics are from an old realtor website thats no longer up.

You are right, that is sad and upsetting. That house is amazing right down to the chimney pots!

It is also nice to meet someone young as yourself with an interest in historic preservation. We certainly stand apart from the general crowd just in our distain of everything new and shoddy that seems to drive today's world.

It is even happening on my street. Rumor has it that a house abutting some commercial space was being eyeballed by the owner who had approached the lady in the past mentioning that he would one day like to buy her house, and then erect a retirement home for himself in its place. She passed away this past summer, the place isn't up for sale yet, but I wonder if it might sadly, come to fruition.

that's a darn shame. What a beautiful mansion. It's like watching a loved one slowly pass away.

Sickening is right! What is wrong with these people???????

Nick, I'm also impressed with your young age & your keen interest in preservation. Either university would be very lucky to have you. As someone who got on the old house love bandwagon a little late (like, 18 years after we moved in), I'm always amazed at the purely physical reaction I get from looking at pictures like these. My heart actually hurts for this house. . . it looks so lonely and forgotten. The craftsmanship of that design will never be duplicated, and the incredible life of its owner will probably be forgotten as well.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do, Nick, because I have a feeling you're going to make a real difference. Any successful rescues/restorations happening upstate that you can share? Welcome to the forum~Anne

nick...... looks like st joseph, mo. tiny little falls will probably do nothing. i always have really mixed feelings about the buyers of the "lives" of houses>>>>>>> i don't know if the auctions are desecration, and the buyers participating in it, or the buyers are simply giving new homes to things which are not being cared for. sad, sad for this house.

you should write to This Old House (http://www.thisoldhouse.com) They do a monthly feature in their magazine about houses that are for sale, relatively cheaply, that have significant historical value and need rescued

aed, I too get a physical reaction when things like this are happening. It hurts so much-its awful! Whats worse is that its preventable! Even now, this place is still "save-able", I mean it was built sturdy! Its distance from the town and remote location do tend to protect it from most vandals, so it does have some more time. Still, everyday that goes by....something else snaps, breaks, falls, its heartbreaking. Whats worse is it was in MUCH better condition just 6 or 7 years ago. Still needed work, but nothing like now. Then they just left it...stopped heating it, so pipes freeze and burst, roof leaks get worse, porch deteriorates, its just awful. I mean just 10 or so years ago it was a B & B! And know this... In fact, just 15 years ago the water-powered elevator was still working! Its just awful. and then the idea of tearing it down....I just can't even imagine. I mean, its awful enough when you read about whats already been torn down, whats missing, but when one like this is STILL there, and is heading on that path....ugh. And Angolito, you're right, the city of Little Falls is doing nothing, the media, policiticans, even the historic society is ignoring it... I feel so bad for this house.. It looks so sad. I took my friend Wendy up there, and she was amazed, but was kind of creeped out because there were like 7 or 8 big black birds (hawks maybe?) circling around the mansion... Oh, and dnmccoy, Im not sure if that would work because while it is definately endangered, its not for sale right now, and actually when it was, they had asked for a ridiculous price. Actually there were buyers who wanted to buy and save it, but the sellers were asking WAY more than it was worth, especially in this condition... And now the new owner might potentially tear it down...
But for as long as I can remember, I've always loved old houses (and vintage stuff in general), and definately want to go into a field where I can save these old places.