04/02/13 10:31am

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Thursday, March 28th noon I stood on the corner of Lander and South Street with the anticipation of an explorer in unfamiliar waters. Mother nature was having some interesting mood swings offering a brilliant blue sky one minute and then billowing clouds bringing hues of grey the next and then back to various blue shades of wonderful again.

I could not help but notice as I walked down this section of Lander Street just how quiet and serene it was on this “often singled out” NOBRO block and absolutely beautiful and quintessentially urban in its presence. This part of Lander Street has been the recipient  of extensive restoration and historic preservation. A number of the brick rowhouses and brownstone style buildings here have been wonderfully rehabbed and meticulously managed by PathStone of Newburgh in order to create The Lander Street Apartments. This “neighborhood building” project has been on-going for a number of years and PathStone is currently in the process of leasing “Phase Three”.

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I spoke to a gentleman who was renting at one of the rehabbed buildings and he shared with me how happy he was with both the ongoing progress being made in working to make Lander Street safer and his appreciation for his generously sized and attractively appointed apartment. He also told me that he was drawn to Lander Street specifically because of the historic preservation there. He pointed out to me that the late 19th century buildings renovated as part of the PathStone project were easy to identify as they all shared the same style of prominent gold address numerals (in vintage block design) located on the transom window above each exterior entry door. What also makes this project interesting is that there are a few different historic building styles that were chosen for restoration along the way.

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As our conversation ended and the man entered his building, I was totally alone again. Mind you, I did not feel alone in an abandoned way, but in a way when one is thoroughly aware of their place within the solitude and obvious quiet. I looked up and down the empty street, marveled at its time honored beauty and then whimsically thought to myself at that moment, if only Edward Hopper (the iconic American painter who was part of the Ashcan School) were alive and could see what I am seeing here in Newburgh. I imagined him capturing this solitude and starkness, the historic details and linear perspectives of Lander Street on canvas as he did with much of his work and in particular his urban masterpieces “Nighthawks” and “Early Sunday Morning” or his classic “Sunlight on Brownstones”.

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For those that may not know this, Edward Hopper was no stranger to the Hudson Valley as he was born and raised in Nyack NY. Though famous worldwide, the majority of his works were depictions of urban landscapes and “urban slice of life moments” in and around New York City. With Mr. Hopper long gone, the truth is that we will never have any way of knowing  if he would have ever painted Lander Street or Liberty Street or any Newburgh Street for that matter. But, as I stood there that afternoon, I wanted to think that maybe, just maybe, he would have. So with that, as you view my photo images (squint as you stare at them, and think of Edward Hopper’s style), and see if we share a feeling that they respectfully capture a bit of his urban spirit while paying homage to his remarkable talent. Let’s also try to recapture a deep appreciation for this visual and visceral historic street in Newburgh.

03/28/13 10:25am

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This week I had the pleasure to introduce myself, (as a contributing writer on Newburgh Restoration) to Jenny O’Connor, owner of Jenny’s Floral Design, located at 85 Liberty Street (on the corner of East Parmenter St). My mission was two-fold. Naturally I was excited to visit her absolutely beautiful shop and secondly, I wanted to very simply ask her if she would share a personal thought or action with regards to Newburgh’s continuing revitalization.

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Jenny cordially expressed that being she was from Ireland, she brought with her a respect for the significance of history and architecture and it was these qualities she felt existed in Newburgh. Those qualities played a part in locating her business here. She also said she felt that Liberty Street (and the city in general) was a diamond in the rough. And she now feels that since the shop opened a few years ago the rough diamond is now getting a bit more polished.

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Jenny also conveyed that she is looking forward to the arrival of the warmer Spring weather so she can display her floral designs and unique gift items creating a burst of color and texture to the Liberty Street sidewalk in front of her shop. She feels the displays encourage a healthy message of Newburgh’s revitalizing future. She also smiled as she told me how rewarding it is when new customers enter her shop for the first time (who may have come to visit Washington’s Headquarters) and ultimately leave Newburgh with a more positive image of the city because they discovered  her shop (among others) on Liberty Street.

For more information you can visit Jenny’s Floral Design Facebook fan page or go to www.jennysfloraldesign.com. Also, look for future “Snapshot Thoughts”…Revitalizing Newburgh posts in the future.

03/19/13 10:30am

021There is such a variety of home styles that comprise the historic districts of Newburgh. Most of my previous posts have focused mainly on my personal favorite which is the historic rowhouse. But, for those Newburgh Restoration followers who love a vintage free-standing home comprised of sticks and stones (stick built and stone foundations), consider an American classic, the Folk Victorian.

The Folk Victorian was one of the most widely constructed housing styles sweeping the country during the period from 1870 to 1910. Referred to as the “Everyman House”,  it was born out of the simple box frame and  L shaped designs of the previous decades, when basic free-standing frame housing was built for purpose, (not style) and sported little to no embellishments to its facade.

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The Folk Victorian movement took advantage of the country’s new industrialization and the creation of machinery, like the jigsaw and the craftsmen who had learned to master it. It gave them the ability to create gingerbread trim, carved spandrels and lovely ballisters either customized for a specific home or pre-manufactured in distant places and shipped via a growing railroad system. It now allowed the most simple free standing frame houses to be more distinct with lovely attractive trims and a Victorian style perfectly suited for a more simple lifestyle than it’s more grand and wealthy relative, the ornate Queen Ann Victorian.

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Some distinctive features of a true Folk Victorian are front porch embellishments such as carved ballister and spindle railings,  and carved spindles along the porch’s horizontal roof line. There are also thick simply carved porch posts with decorative gingerbread detail in the corners and usually a single front gable creating a pyramid shaped roof line (at times sporting a touch of gingerbread detail also). Many Folk Victorians are covered with clapboard siding, though over the years may have been replaced with vinyl due to excessive wear and tear.

The Folk Victorians pictured in this post are clustered in the Heights neighborhood of Newburgh (but you can find many others through out the city). If you choose to walk past these lovingly kept homes on Overlook Pl, on Courtney and along Liberty Street, notice the details that make them fine examples of that Victorian style.

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Check here on Newburgh Restoration for listings of wonderful Victorians (and historic rowhouses and period homes) that may currently be for sale and within affordable  reach. It’s your chance to buy a slice of true Americana and you’ll also be part of revitalizing a New York historic treasure, Newburgh, NY!

03/14/13 4:22pm

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Happy Thursday to the followers of my needy rowhouse posts. At this point, I’m not only counting down the days to the arrival of Spring (which we’re probably all on the same page with that), but personally I’m counting down as to when I can close on my needy rowhouse. That being said, I wanted to just bring you up to speed as to where I am on the journey, and hopefully pass along a bit of information and knowledge to those considering a house purchase in Newburgh in the near future too.

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Seems the boiler was installed sometime in the mid 2000’s (around 2006), which is a good thing and a permit was issued by the City to the heating contractor for the installation work to be done. Here is where the lesson comes in. In the City of Newburgh (and most cities), there is not only a need to have a permit issued, BUT then the completed work has to be recorded with the City, so a certificate of compliance can be issued. Also in Newburgh, the attorneys share a checklist of “the municipals” before the closing is set. Part of the checklist includes any outstanding violations and believe it or not, not having the final paperwork “recorded” for the completed boiler work falls into that category. And even though it was all done and inspected at the time a property cannot convey until that paperwork is recorded.  So readers, that is where it is right now. But when all is said and done, it’s a good thing that this is part of the process to protect a new owner.

Secondly, and this is important, when a property conveys, a title insurance policy is issued to cover a lender (bank) as part of the customary financing process. But a new buyer has the option to purchase an owner’s title policy (which I highly recommend). Just to clarify, a title policy is a standard part of the closing cost process and required by the lender HOWEVER, that only protects the lender, if a title issue arises after closing. Unless you purchase a second owner’s policy also, you (as the new owner), are not protected if a title issue comes up. The good news is that if purchased together before the closing (lender and owner policy), then the owner’s policy is discounted.

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Now here is the interesting part. With historic rowhouses, the attorneys are looking to see how the language is covered in the title policy regarding ownership of “party walls” (the walls that are common in- between the properties.)  Currently there is no language included in the policy that explains that. The attorneys are making sure the correct language is in place prior to closing. Again, it is something that legally protects you as the new owner and trust me, with purchasing a needy rowhouse, you’ll have enough on your hands so you  don’t need any issues challenging that to surface.

Lastly readers, it was brought to my attention that there was some confusion (by a reader) regarding why I am buying my needy rowhouse and I kind of had my integrity challenged as to my intentions for it. So let me take this opportunity, again, to clarify that here (though I did mention it in previous posts). I am purchasing my rowhouse as an “investment property”.  The needy rowhouse is a compact two family currently and will STAY a compact two family. I’ve always dreamed about having a 2 family  historic rowhouse from as early on as my days living in Brownstone Brooklyn. There I owned a coop in Park Slope in the early 1980’s,and sold that about a decade later. I then purchased another coop in Fort Greene in the early 2000’s, as I was so taken by the beautiful architecture and wonderful diversity there. I thought it was perfect for my son and future daughter in law to live there and learn and enjoy the dynamic of the city and it also allowed them to finish their education and start their careers. In those time frames, I also had the thrill of seeing those neighborhoods flourish, both with owner occupied buyers and with investors believing in being part of a bigger picture to make things better. That being said, I am also a smart investor and feel (as I’ve said before) that Newburgh’s time is NOW!

I personally (and with the help of good neighbors), want to make my historic 2 family rowhouse along with the Heights neighborhood part of the solution in delivering a strong message of hope and not be part of the problem in causing despair. I currently live in Binghamton, NY and am extremely involved in the revitalization there. I write a monthly column entitled “I Believe in Binghamton….Downtown Rising” (check out my facebook page). It is also that energy that I most definitely want to pay forward to help restore hope in Newburgh.

Let’s face it, Newburgh is a city that needs all of our concerted efforts and attention no matter where geographically we may be bringing it from. That is the beauty of a blog and the internet. There are so many ways now to be integral participants of the revitalization, whether personally purchasing a property there or even praising it from afar, as long as it is genuine and from the most important destination, our hearts. In closing as I always say in my Needy Rowhouse posts, until the next time….I HEART Newburgh!

 

03/11/13 10:30am

102Viewpoint: As some of you who may follow my posts here know, my first face to face encounter with Newburgh occurred late last year.  One of the things that drew me to the area (and hence purchase a property), of course, is its amazing urban/historic housing that just happens to also be surrounded by jaw dropping natural  beauty. But, even more important was seeing it’s vast potential to become something greater than it’s current self, which I obviously know I am by far not alone with this observation.

I am also not alone in my observation that for this City to become “greater” it also has to involve Newburgh’s commercial areas becoming more functional, more interactive with the day to day needs of it’s residents and more productive in creating an environment that will continue to draw those that first and foremost, want to invest and  live here. Secondarily (but also having great importance) the ability to lure those people “up the hill”  from the trendy and wonderful waterfront and still try to marry it to that asset at the same time.

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Hence, my post today concentrates on the amazing potential of the Liberty Street commercial corridor. And yes, I know this has not been the first time at the rodeo (so to speak) where the functionality of Liberty Street has been addressed here on Newburgh Restoration. But this is the right time, (as all positive indications are pointing to), where the City is starting to turn a very broad corner again.  It is also a time to not make any more excuses for the fact that Liberty Street has to be marketed and nurtured so that it can serve the needs of the growing number of people that are calling the neighborhoods surrounding it their home. It also definitely has to be a two way street in order for businesses to survive through their growth stage where it takes active participation in utilizing the new shops and services by the residents and visitors too.

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Something that we continually hear about on Newburgh Restoration is how residents of the community miss the Moo and Oink that was on the corner of Liberty and Washington Street. That was  years ago. It was underutilized by the community and hence shuttered, so now it’s time  to move forward. That does not necessarily mean think BIG just yet! Of course the thought of a Whole Foods on Broadway is so very nice, but first we have to relearn to walk again, before joining the Olympics. So what would be nice (and needed) is a commited mom and pop operation offering fresh produce, some daily prepared gourmet offerings, and a variety of staple grocery and personal care items and patron friendly/consistent shop hours!!  Now THAT would be a very welcome start on Liberty Street. Oh the joy, to have a place to walk or stroll to at 7PM with our re-usable eco-friendly shopping bag with a shop logo on it. Is that asking too much??

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So calling all Newburgh Restoration readers, fans, and both new and seasoned entrepreneurs with vision. The Spring season will soon be upon us and what better time to take a colorful brush stroke on the broad commercial canvas that Liberty Street offers, in order to start and build your desired business while fulfilling the growing staple and retail needs of the community.

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Your business can join the ranks of Liberty Street ground breakers like Cafe Macchiato, The Wherehouse, Newburgh Art Supply, Jenny’s Floral Designs, Simple Gifts and Goodies and a few specialty and staple shops that currently call historically significant Liberty Street home.

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Your business would be bracketed by the Ritz Theater and the Ann Street Gallery to the North and the “Trending” Heights neighborhood to the South. In between you’ll be punctuated by a National Landmark, Washington’s Headquarters and in the heart of the Washington Park Neighborhood and the brand new East Parmenter enclave.

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Along the journey south you’ll be flanked by a variety of well kept and thriving warehouse business like Thronwillow Press, R.I.M Plumbing and Heating and a huge recently purchased warehouse being brought back to life with a major renovation by Atlas Industries.

Joyfully, Newburgh is being re-discoverd again. You can be a part of it and your new business, shop or retail can make history by changing history here. Also, if you choose to take that journey, Newburgh Restoration  will be here with you to support your efforts along the way!

 

02/28/13 10:15am

112“…gently down a stream…merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily…life is but a dream”. Hopefully now I’ve grabbed your attention (and raised your curiosity), by using this simple & beloved song   (taking some poetic license of course), to whimsically  introduce my post today. And it is in pictorial celebration of the variety of beautiful and historic architectural styles of ROWHOUSES that  landscape, (not quite down a stream), but along, and truly never far from, the breathtaking Hudson River in the City of Newburgh.

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What is also wonderful about so much of this beautiful architecture is that here in the city of Newburgh “life” and the potential of owning a historic home does not have to be “but a dream”, (like so many other urban-style locations near-by and neighborhoods in New York City), it can be an  affordable reality for us “mere mortals” to find that special abode.

Being “priced out of the market” in order to own a historically significant home is currently not the case here in Newburgh!!  Hence, if this post “wets your appetite for more”,  just take the time to tour  here on Newburgh Restoration, where  you can not only see available homes that may just need some updating,  cosmetic attention and your personalization, but also those that need  full restorations and rehabs in the form of rescue me types of properties.

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The variety of  rowhouse styles here in Newburgh range from Romanesque, Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival, Beaux Arts, Federal Style,  English Style and Painted Lady Victorians. Their beauty is prevalent along treed and quiet side streets, on streets with unencumbered Hudson River views and even along the hip and revitalizing commercial thoroughfare of Liberty Street.

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You can even find  historic rowhouse replication in the form of new construction on East Parmenter St  which, is actually creating a brand new “vest pocket”, walkable and family friendly, residential community right in the center of the Washington Park neighborhood of Newburgh.

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And speaking of “walkable”, with Spring just a scant few weeks away, take the time to plan a visit and discover the City of Newburgh not only for its architecture, its amazing inventory of affordable  homes (rowhouses, victorians and even mid-century moderns) and its investment opportunities, but also for its wonderful artistic vibe, its history, its creative culture, its green spaces and its diversity.

If touring, browsing and discovering is your thing and you want to be part of “the next great place”, start here on Newburgh Restoration to help to plan your home search and view real estate updates, trending progress, new projects and scheduled events that are continuously  helping to build, restore and revitalize this promising city.

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When you’re actually ready to visit, remember to wear a sensible pair of shoes in order to stroll the historic streets, meander along the bluffs in the Heights and discover the potential of each neighborhood.

Finally…even if you first venture to Newburgh for the enjoyment of its waterfront and the trendy Front Street dining vibe, you just might surprise yourself to further explore in order to find that rowhouse or vintage home that previously existed only in your dreams. And then,  even you may choose to “merrily, merrily, merrily”… be part of Newburgh’s promising future!!