Historic Resources Committee

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Renaissance Schallaburg Figures in a facade

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The mission of the Historic Resources Committee (HRC) is to identify, understand, and preserve architectural heritage, both nationally and internationally. HRC is engaged in promoting the role of the historic architect within the profession through the development of information and knowledge among members, allied professional organizations, and the public.

  • 1.  6/25/16- New Statue of Liberty Museum -Only Four Days Remain to Comment

    Posted 06-20-2016 11:34 PM

    A Enviromental Assessment for new museum proposal at the Stature of Liberty is open for comment.

    Statue of Liberty New Museum Construction Environmental Assessment

    Nps remove preview
    Statue of Liberty New Museum Construction Environmental Assessment
    The National Park Service, in cooperation with the Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Foundation, has prepared an environmental assessment to evaluate a proposal to construct a new 20,000-square-foot Statue of Liberty Museum within the Statue of Liberty National Monument on Liberty Island.
    View this on Nps >

    An interesting set of issues. 

    • Liberty Island is a Pending historic district.
    • New construction proposed at National Park Site closed for months due to Hurricane Sandy.
    • Island is a high risk flood area
    • Increased security limits visitors access to interpretive exhibits in Statue.

    The goals of the project are sound; increase visitor access to exhibits and provide shelter from weather. 

    Seems that there are other alternatives that can be discussed. Some other issues.

    • How can a building adapt as the sea levels rise?
    • How do you build now, knowing that it will flood in the future?

    Opportunity for an innovative response to climate change

    Just some thoughts- to minimize the potential cost of restoring this new building after a future flood,  May be the visitor shelter is not conditioned space but an open structure that can be disassembled and rebuilt. May be the Museum is a portable building that can be removed to safety when in danger from a Storm.

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    Kathleen Sullivan AIA
    NY
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 2.  RE: 6/25/16- New Statue of Liberty Museum -Only Four Days Remain to Comment

    Posted 06-21-2016 05:48 PM

    Perhaps this museum needs to float. Immigrants arrived at Ellis Island via ship, and it is only fitting, if not practical and cost-sensitive, that in a time of rising sea levels a museum built to commemorate such journeys should  respond to, rather than fight, the changing seas.

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    Susan Shay AIA
    New York NY

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 3.  RE: 6/25/16- New Statue of Liberty Museum -Only Four Days Remain to Comment

    Posted 06-23-2016 10:46 AM
    Statue of Liberty - New Museum

    A licensed architect since 1968, in private practice for the past 48 years, I have learned there is no "project" issue too large or small, that will go unscathed by this profession.  We learn early in design class to criticize and be criticized, for our creative concepts.  If one cannot accept criticism he/she should not pursue a license to practice architecture.  
    With the above preamble in mind, I speak to the current "broo-haha" regarding the "thought" of providing a public museum within the confines of the Statue of Liberty property, (island).  My concern, at this "early" juncture in the process, if we are bickering over the "location" of the building, we will never get past the "design concept" issue to come.  Form follows Function, classical plan, and/or facade, materials used, etc., etc.  
    And, to my point, I would ask all my fellow architects to do as my mother taught me, "if you cannot say something nice, keep your mouth shut".

    James R. Wooten, FAIA



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 4.  RE: 6/25/16- New Statue of Liberty Museum -Only Four Days Remain to Comment

    Posted 06-23-2016 12:28 PM

    I don't think it is appropriate to add something to the statue's immediate site. The island has enough with just the statue. That's what makes it impressive. Everyone in the public who visits comes from the NJ mainland. Let the museum be put there. All those coming to experience the power and majesty of this national monument should first take in a little history in the form of education before stepping on to the island.

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    Jeffrey Laufer
    Owner
    JMLAIA Architects
    Lansdowne PA

    2024 HRC Taliesin West