Amsterdam Armory to receive Excellence in Historic Preservation Award

Related Media

Amsterdam Armory, photo by Chris Sawicki

ALBANY, NY (04/26/2012)(readMedia)-- The Preservation League of New York State has selected the Amsterdam Armory in Amsterdam, owned by Manfred and Susan Phemister, to receive an award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

The League's statewide awards program honors notable achievements in retaining, promoting and reusing New York State's irreplaceable architectural heritage.

"The Phemisters' purchase of the property in 2005 signaled a turnaround not only for the building but for the surrounding community," said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. "Their contributions to Amsterdam's South Side are illustrated in the letters of support their project garnered from Representative Paul Tonko, Mayor Ann Thane, The Historic Amsterdam League and the Historian of the City of Amsterdam."

Contributing to the success of this project were Susan and Manfred Phemister, owners; Thomas MacGregor, Designer, of Brooklyn; Congressman Paul Tonko; and the Hon. Ann Thane, Mayor of Amsterdam.

One of 26 armories designed by Isaac Perry, the Amsterdam Armory was built in 1894 and decommissioned in 1994. In addition to being the only New York armory privately owned as a residence, it also serves visitors as the "Amsterdam Castle" bed and breakfast.

According to Susan Phemister, "Restoring this amazing building to code and active use was a huge effort, but it is so exciting to see the surrounding community revitalize with us. By using energy-efficiency and green building techniques we were able to save thousands on heating while establishing an upscale tourist destination. "

The awards will be presented at the Preservation League's Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in New York City at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th at the historic New York Yacht Club, 37 West 44th Street.

The complete list of award winners is: the Albany County Courthouse, Albany County; Annex Mills at High Falls, Monroe County; The Eastman Theatre, Monroe County; Amsterdam Armory, Montgomery County; Hamilton Grange National Memorial, New York County; Niagara Mohawk Building, Onondaga County; TWA Flight Center, JFK International Airport, Queens County; Christ Church Bronxville, Westchester County. The organizers of the 2011 National Preservation Conference in Buffalo will receive a special citation. "Build a Better Burb," a project of the Rauch Foundation in Nassau and Suffolk Counties will be honored as an outstanding publication. Corning Enterprises in Steuben County will be honored for organizational excellence.

"In New York State, the preservation and reuse of our historic buildings is fundamental to the economic revitalization of our cities, towns, and villages. The League's annual Awards program allows us to share preservation success stories that may one day serve as inspiration to others," said DiLorenzo. "Each year, we are impressed by the number and variety of laudable nominations, and this year was no exception. We are delighted to celebrate the rebirth of the Amsterdam Armory, and to commend current owners, Susan and Manfred Phemister, for their stewardship."

The Preservation League's Excellence in Historic Preservation awards program is funded by a generous grant from the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation.

By leading a statewide preservation movement, sharing information and expertise and raising a unified voice, the Preservation League of New York State promotes historic preservation as a tool to revitalize our neighborhoods and communities, honor our heritage and enrich our lives.

Additional Contact:

Susan Phemister, Amsterdam Armory

518-843-5201; events@amsterdamcastle.com