Why Preservation? … Why Not?

Architecture
November 19, 2014

Good morning Lacquered Lifers. If some of you ever had any questions as to why I am a passionate preservationist, or what the point of historic preservation is, these photos of the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s main hospital building and surgeons quarters should answer your questions. The Brooklyn Navy Yard has occupied this site since 1801, the hospital was completed in 1838, and the surgeons quarters in 1863. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was decommissioned in the mid-1960s, whereupon the land was sold to the city of New York and these buildings have stood empty. Over the years different plans have been floated to redevelop the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and while those plans are coming closer and closer to fruition these beautiful pieces of architecture sit empty, abandoned, and neglected … despite their status as New York City Landmark properties. So why preservation? Honestly, why not?
Photos via Curbed

Browsing in Beacon Hill

Architecture
November 17, 2014

Good Morning Lacquered Lifers! Hope everybody had a good weekend. I was in Boston celebrating the engagement of two of my dearest friends from college, and Saturday I took the opportunity to stroll around Beacon Hill. Located between Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, and the Charles River, Beacon Hill is one of the most historic (and beautiful) neighborhoods of the city. Now a National Historic Landmark District, the development of Beacon Hill began in the early years of the nineteenth century with Federal-style town homes designed by famous American architect Charles Bulfinch. Despite the chilly weather Beacon Hill’s brick facades looked especially beautiful this weekend against the backdrop of the city’s late fall foliage in colors of yellow and orange. As Boston College alumni, we all truly enjoyed being back and reminiscing about a time when we called this city home. A big thank you and congratulations Libby and Ryan for bringing us all back together in Beantown!

Friday Before & After: Chateau du Grand-Luce

Architecture
November 7, 2014

Good Morning Lacquered Lifers. Chateau du Grand-Luce, interior designer Timothy Corrigan’s chateau, located in France’s lush Loire Valley. Built between 1760 & 1764 by engineer Mathieu de Bayeaux, the Chateau was privately owned through World War II, when it was then turned into a military hospital and later a tuberculosis sanatorium. The Chateau was purchased by Corrigan in 2004, at which point he began a complete restoration of the vast home. Originally the chateau had twenty bedrooms and two bathrooms; not needing as many bedrooms, Corrigan sacrificed a few for bathroom space, and now each bedroom has an en-suite bath.
Chateau du Grand-Luce is a Monument Historique, a French national heritage site, not dissimilar to our own National Register of Historic Places. As a result, the Chateau falls under the jurisdiction of the Les Architectes des Bâtiments de France, and every landscaping decision, every paint color choice, had to be approved. While the bones of this architectural masterpiece are quite regal, Corrigan wanted the overall feeling to be casual. He spends over two months a year here, and it is his place of restoration and relaxation. Timothy, if you ever need someone to relax and restore with you, I’m available! The gardens at Chateau du Grand-Luce were restored by the French Government in the 1990s, and are open to the public on a limited basis … looks like I might have to pay the Chateau a visit. Happy Friday!

Photos via Architectural Digest