At the recent event celebrating the completion of exterior restoration of the Gustav Stickley House, one of the state’s leading preservationists put into focus the historical significance of the house.

“This is a place where genius was revealed,” said Michael Lynch, director of the Division of Historic Preservation of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Lynch was among several speakers addressing an audience of more than 125 people from the house’s newly reconstructed front porch.

“Within these walls, surrounded by an environment wholly of his own creation, Gustav Stickley developed and promoted the Craftsman lifestyle to the nation and the world.”

“As one of the birthplaces of the Arts & Crafts movement, I rank this house at the same level with the William Morris Red House in the UK, and the Oak Park Home and Studio of Frank Lloyd Wright,” said Lynch. “This is where the Craftsman style originated – right here. This is world-class.”

The Red House, located in Bexleyheath, England, is the only house that was created and lived in by William Morris, the founder of the British Arts & Crafts Movement. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, in Oak Park, IL, served as a residence and workplace for Wright, another leader of the Arts & Crafts Movement, known for his Prairie School designs.

The Gustav Stickley House, at 438 Columbus Ave., Syracuse, NY is widely regarded as the first fully designed Craftsman interior in the United States. Stickley lived in the house from 1900 to 1910 and again from 1919 until his passing in 1942. The home is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Much of Stickley’s interior design remains intact on the home’s first and second floors. He also added Craftsman elements viewable on the exterior including the iconic front door and the leaded windows on the first floor.

The event marking the completion of exterior restoration work – Phase One of the project – was held Thursday, June 28. The celebration was hosted by the Gustav Stickley House Foundation (GSHF) and the University Neighborhood Preservation Association (UNPA).  Fundraising is now underway for the estimated $2 million needed for Phase Two, which encompasses interior restoration.

Along with Michael Lynch, other governmental officials speaking at the event were Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, State Senator David Valesky and State Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter.

Mayor Walsh commended the cooperative effort of the many organizations working on the preservation project. “Our community is at its absolute best when we are focused on a common goal and we come together and make it happen,” he said.

The mayor also thanked Aminy Audi, president of Stickley Audi and Co., for donating the Gustav Stickley House to UNPA to foster its preservation. “We wouldn’t be here and likely this building wouldn’t be here if not for your generosity and that of your family,” he said. The furniture company had purchased the house in 1996 to prevent the historic interior from being dismantled.

“This is a gem,” said Senator Valesky of the historic house, telling the audience that they would surely be impressed by  “the majesty” of the first floor of the home where most of Stickley’s original design still exists.

Major funding for the preservation of the Gustav Stickley House was provided through a $500,000 New York State Environmental Protection Fund grant through the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as well as a $200,000 New York State Homes and Community Renewal Urban Initiatives Grant.

A significant part of Phase One of the restoration, which focused on the exterior of the house, was the reconstruction of the original front porch, which was removed more than 50 years ago. Exterior work also included extensive repairs to the siding and trim; window restoration; structural stabilization; a new roof; asbestos abatement and painting the house in the same colors that extensive research determined Stickley used on his home. The construction work was completed by CNY Builders Services.

Local and state officials and preservationists are hoping that the Gustav Stickley House project will serve as a spark to encourage preservation of the Wescott Street area.

“Saving one building is a good thing, but it is even better to preserve the neighborhood that surrounds this place,” said Lynch. “To that end, our office is working with the community, assisted with a grant from the Preservation League, to undertake a survey of about 2,000 buildings here in the proposed Wescott historic district.

“This will create opportunities for private investment that will help stabilize the neighborhood, maintain real estate values and the local tax base, and will generate sales tax revenue and create jobs for the rehabilitation trade,” said Lynch.

Lynch, who mentioned he was representing Rose Harvey, commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as well as Governor Andrew Cuomo, applauded the efforts of everyone involved in the Gustav Stickley House preservation project.

“They say good things come to those who wait. But when it involves preservation, I say good things come to those who act,” he said. “On behalf of Commissioner Harvey and Governor Cuomo, thank you for acting. Your legacy will be that the legacy of Gustav Stickley will live for future generations.”

Ownership of the Gustav Stickley House will eventually be transferred to the Onondaga Historical Association, which will oversee the house as a unique museum/hotel that will offer guests the experience of spending time in the historic living space that Gustav Stickley shared with his family and friends.

by Patricia O’Toole

The following organizations, businesses and individuals were recognized at the event for their contributions and support of the project: