News stories tagged with "architecture"

(02/22/12) This winter, one of the best places in the North Country to ski has been the trail to Santanoni Great Camp in the Essex County town of Newcomb.

In part, that's because the old road to the camp has enough snow to make skiing possible.

But the restored buildings of Santanoni also offer one of the most fascinating glimpses of the Adirondacks as they existed during the gilded age, when the North Country was a retreat for the rich and powerful.

This week, Brian Mann joined a ski tour of the great camp, organized by the coalition that has spent more than a decade stabilizing and restoring the historic site. more

(02/22/12) This winter, one of the best places in the North Country to ski has been the trail to Santanoni Great Camp in the Essex County town of Newcomb.

In part, that's because the old road to the camp has enough snow to make skiing possible.

But the restored buildings of Santanoni also offer one of the most fascinating glimpses of the Adirondacks as they existed during the gilded age, when the North Country was a retreat for the rich and powerful.

This week, Brian Mann joined a ski tour of the great camp, organized by the coalition that has spent more than a decade stabilizing and restoring the historic site. more

(12/06/11) In our on-going series, The Adirondack Attic, Andy Flynn talks with Steve Engelhart, Executive Director of Adirondack Architectural Heritage, about an early photo of the original Lake Champlain Bridge, which connects Crown Point, New York and Addison, Vermont. Back in 1929, the original bridge was state-of-the-art for the era.

(08/10/11) A new book about Great Camps in the Adirondacks examines how social, economic and cultural forces shaped those historic, rustic homes every bit as much as the architects and contractors. Gladys Montgomery's An Elegant Wilderness: Great Camps and Grand Lodges of the Adirondacks 1855-1935 is filled with archival black and white photographs of log mansions and lavish interiors.

Montgomery is a writer who specializes in architecture and design. She's written numerous articles and several books on old houses and their cultural histories. She spoke with Todd Moe about her book and the Gilded Age rich who built many of the Adirondack Great Camps and traveled north from the city to experience life in the wilderness.

(05/27/10) Businesses, museums and attractions are preparing for the busy summer season that starts this weekend. Store aisles are being swept, shelves restocked and final touches are being added to exhibits. The Adirondack Museum opens its 53rd season tomorrow. Something new this year is a three-quarter size log structure, surrounded by rhubarb, strawberry and herb gardens, and a stunning view of Blue Mountain Lake. Chief Curator Laura Rice gave Todd Moe a tour of the museum's newest structure.

(05/14/10) The Adirondack Park Agency wrestled yet again yesterday with the question of how to regulate boathouses. The issue has flummoxed state officials for decades. As Brian Mann reports, APA commissioners remain deeply divided, with some arguing that boathouses shouldn't be regulated at all.

(12/29/09) The Crown Point bridge across Lake Champlain was demolished yesterday morning, just after ten o'clock. The span had served as a major link between Vermont and upstate New York for eight decades. It became a part of the North Country landscape and lore. Deterioration of the bridge and its closure in mid-October have crippled the Champlain Valley economy, straining ties between communities on both sides of the lake. As Brian Mann reports, many local people hope that yesterday's massive explosion marks a first step toward getting their lives back to normal.

(12/14/09) State officials say a new bridge across Lake Champlain between Crown Point, NY and Addison, VT will be open to traffic in the summer of 2011. That's at least a year (and likely several years) sooner than previously predicted. The new schedule follows a transportation crisis that began in mid-October when the Crown Point bridge was abruptly closed because of safety concerns. Engineers still say the aging structure is fragile and could topple at any times. Brian Mann has our story.

(10/09/09) One of the most important land crossings between Northern New York and Vermont is in worse shape than once believed. According to transportation officials from New York, some of the most important steel girders and cement pilings that support the Crown Point bridge are deteriorating rapidly. The route is used by more than 3,000 vehicles every day. About half of those cars and trucks are driven by people going to work. The bridge is also an important route for tourists. As Brian Mann reports, state and Federal agencies say replacing or permanently repairing the bridge could take half a decade. more

(05/19/08) Two historic buildings from the former Wawbeek Resort on Upper Saranac Lake will be coming down. An attorney representing the owners has confirmed that the new owners of the property turned down two proposals to move the buildings. Preservationists have argued that the buildings constitute a unique piece of 19th century architectural history. The former resort was operated as an inn and restaurant until last fall when it was sold to the Southern California couple for $6.25 million. Martha Foley talks with reporter Jacob Resneck, who's been following this story.