Project Examples
Larson Fisher Associates

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6

LOCUST LAWN HISTORIC LANDSCAPE REPORT
Gardiner, Ulster County, New York

Team: Neil Larson, with R.M. Toole Landscape Architect
Client: Huguenot Historical Society, New Paltz, New York
Date: May 2002

For this project LFA provided a detailed analysis of the rural landscape and historical context for Locust Lawn, a distinctive Federal period mansion. The report provided the basis for a master landscape plan for the grounds as well as interpretation its design and farm setting.

Contact: Jack Braunlein, Executive Director, Huguenot Historical Society, New Paltz, NY 845-255-1660

HISTORY OF JONATHAN HASBROUCK HOUSE
Newburgh, Orange County, New York

Team: Neil Larson and Annie O'Neil, Shawangunk Graphics, New Paltz, NEW YORK
Client: Hasbrouck Family Association,
New Paltz, New York
Date: October 2000

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Washington Headquarters State Historic Site and the 250th anniversary of the Hasbrouck family's purchase of the property, the Hasbrouck Family Association funded the research and writing of a short book about the architecture of the building. Since the site itself is interpreted in the 1782-83 period of George and Martha Washington's occupation, the site staff welcomed a publication addressing the broader history of the distinctive stone house they occupy. Neil Larson researched and wrote the text, selected the illustrations and directed the design of the book, which has been distributed to libraries and historical organizations in the region as well as offered for sale in area bookstores.

Contact: Mel Johnson, Washington Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh, NY 845-562-1195

ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION & ANALYSIS, HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION & INTERPRETATION OF SIGNIFICANCE WITH NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION FOR THE VAN BENSCHOTEN FARM & GUEST HOUSE
Margaretville, Delaware County, New York

Team: Neil Larson (LFA)
Client: Peter & Carol Molnar
Date: May 2001

The owners of the historic Van Benschoten Guest House, Peter & Carol Molnar, were interested in nominating their B&B, to the National Register of Historic Places. They justifiably felt that such designation would heighten interest on the part of the traveling public and enhance the B&B's marketability.

The Nelson Van Benschoten House was found to be built in c1890, despite local legend that claimed it was much older. It is a distinctive example of the farm architecture in the Town of Middletown and Delaware County at the end of Delaware County by the end of the nineteenth century. As the central element of the 239-acre farm that Van Benschoten had assembled, the house reflects his success as well as his pride of place.

Situated high on the southerly slope of Margaretville Mountain, the house takes advantage of dramatic views of the Catskills. Its refined but restrained style reflects the impact summer tourism was having on the local economy and the influence of boarding house design on farmhouses built to accommodate that function. Surrounded by neat farm buildings and expansive pastures, meadows and fields, the house epitomizes the civilizing of the Catskills.

Like all National Register nominations prepared by LFA, the product goes well beyond completion of required forms and documentation. The result is an illustrated narrative with copies of primary resource materials-maps, deeds, census records, etc.-that provides an accurate historical record to help owners appreciate the true significance of their properties.

The Van Benschoten Guest House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in late 2001.

 Contact: Carol Molnar, Margaretville Mountain Inn B&B, Margaretville, NY 845-586-3933.

 

ELEPHANT HOTEL NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK NOMINATION
Town of Somers, Westchester County, New York

Team: Neil Larson & Terry Ariano, Somers Historical Society
Client: Town of Somers
Date: June 2004

The Elephant Hotel was built c. 1820 by Somers resident Hachaliah Bailey, who with his elephant, Old Bet, introduced the traveling animal menagerie to the United States. This distinctive Federal-style building became the center of circus development in the Northeast. The Town of Somers bought the hotel in 1927 and has sensitively preserved the building while using is as its town hall ever since. The nomination was initiated to enhance the town's ability to raise funds for the building's continued preservation. A national level of significance was established for the building through its association with American circus history.

Contact:: Florence Oliver, Town Historian, Town of Somers, NY 914-277-3637

SOMERS HAMLET HISTORIC DISTRICT NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
Somers, Westchester County, New York

Team: Neil Larson
Client: Town of Somers
Date: November 2003

The Somers hamlet developed at a rural intersection of two important regional turnpikes, one leading from the Hudson River to Connecticut and another leading south to New York City. It became a popular stopping place for cattle drovers and, when native son Hachaliah Bailey bought an elephant in 1805, it became a center for menageries of exotic animals. Over the years, the turnpikes became state highways, and suburban sprawl invaded Somers. When Pepsico and IBM built huge corporate headquarters in the town in the 1980s, population growth threatened to undermine the rural quality of the hamlet. The nomination was the culmination of a years-long local effort to recognize the significance of the hamlet and help preserve its historic resources.

Contact: Florence Oliver, Town Historian, Town of Somers, NY 914-277-3637

 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6

top