Langdon-Pratt Mansion Restoration
Community Arts has decided to restore the Langdon-Pratt Mansion, to the extent practical, to the period of circa 1870-80. The building has been reviewed and is not listed on the New York State Historic Register. National listing is pending. Restoration has begun with funds provided by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and through the Community Capital Assistance Program. These two grants were facilitated by Senator George Winner, to whom we are very grateful.
During the last two to three years of theEagle's ownership of the Langdon-Pratt Mansion, they were unable to repair problems that continued to escalate when the building was shut down in December 2005.
Without heat, much of the interior thin-coat plaster loosened from the rough coat. In addition, the roof leaked in several places. Temporary repairs were ineffective. Meanwhile, in many places, paint and plaster chipped and peeled off the ceilings and walls, and hardwood floors buckled and warped. The photos below show some of the ceiling problems. The photo below on the left is the second floor room where most of the damage occurred from the leaking roof. The photo below on the right is the room below it where the water came through the ceiling damaging the plaster wall and hardwood floor.
Also, prior to Community Arts of Elmira benefactor Francis Przygoda’s purchase and donation of the Mansion in May 2007, several installed items, such as two oak book cases that were in the room to become our art library were sold before we took possession of the building. The photo below on the left shows the one book case that was not sold, and the other two photos show the empty spaces where two similar cases use to be. The cost to replace them is estimated at approximately $8,000. Hardwood flooring in this room will be oak, to complement the bookcase.
Fortunately, today, many of the original light fixtures and marble fireplaces remain, and much of the woodwork is in tact. In addition, as Community Arts began to explore the interior further, workers discovered that dropped ceilings installed by the former owners were concealing exquisitely-crafted ceiling moldings in two rooms.
The two photos below show the Przygoda Gallery after the false ceilings were removed.
The two photos below show these same views recently. Pine wainscoting, added in circa 1948, has been removed and the walls and ceiling have had the plaster repaired. Additional work in required on the ceiling molding. Double french doors replaced the single door in the west partition leading into the cafe area. The hardwood floor in this gallery will be hickory.
Since assuming ownership of the Mansion, Community Arts has taken measures to clean and maintain the site’s landscape by removing weeds, shrubbery and vines that were damaging the building itself. Pealing paint is being removed from the outside of the building, rotted fascia and soffits have been repaired and two coats of paint have been applied.
Considerable assistance in removing paneling, loose plaster, false ceilings and general cleanup labor has been received from the inmates at the Monterey Shock Camp. Area professionals have recently repaired the roof and replaced a steam boiler that warms the more contemporary spaces of the Mansion. Some of the interior walls have been repaired and more are in process. Hardwood flooring is being acquired and installed in many of the first-floor rooms.
Insulation and storm windows are badly needed to help keep utility bills in check. Handicap accessibility is a priority for the entire building.
There is considerable work yet to be accomplished as funds and willing workers become available. If you are interested in helping with the restoration, with time, talent or treasure, please let us know.
Please return to this page often to see our progress.
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