Restoration of Dairy Barn Complex Begins

$ 672,000 in grants and donations gets the big job going!

The Caumsett Foundation’s vision for the restoration and adaptive reuse of Marshall Field’s dairy barn complex as an educational resource and visitors’ center is coming to fruition as work begins on the project. "We approached the development of the complex as an integral part of the historic park and fulfillment of our mission," noted Margie Howe, chairperson of the buildings Committee. The Caumsett Foundation’s mission is dedicated to education, low-impact recreation, historic and environmental preservation and conservation of the scenic value, natural heritage and cultural history of the site.

Kevin Connelly, former park manager, is gratified to see the restoration of these historic buildings get underway. "As the years of dirt and grime are peeled away, the beautiful structures that for years have been waiting for this rejuvenation are being resurrected", observed Mr. Connelly. He already notices that the newly refurbished window frames and cleaned shingles have changed the look of the complex. "When the buildings are completely restored, this work will ensure the viability of these structures for years to come," he stated.

To fund the project, the Foundation applied for and received two grants from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under the Environmental Protection Act of 1993. One grant for $182,000 covered restoration and stabilization of the dairy barns. The other, totaling $154,000, was applied to restoration and stabilization of the horse and machine barns. "Since both were matching grants, the Foundation was required to raise a total of $336,000, which we have successfully accomplished", noted Mrs. Howe.

From the 53 firms whose representatives participated in "walk throughs," 17 submitted proposals, of those, 13 were invited to give oral presentations. As the selection process proceeded, three firms were asked to present fully developed plans. A nine-person jury including members of the Foundation and representatives of the state, along with a preservationist, an architect and a builder, selected the firm of Stephen Tilly of Dobbs Ferry.

Architect Stephen Tilly also considers the dairy complex in its historic content as an important reflection of its era. "More than just efficient state-of-the art dairy facilities, the barns are part of a carefully tailored architectural and landscape composition," Mr. Tilly emphasizes. "Conversely ," he adds, "the barns are more than just a pretty face; they serve their purpose superbly, with architecture and equipment that achieved the highest possible health and safety standards."

Accordingly, Mr. Tilly’s firm is undertaking the restoration with the highest possible standards. "We are searching for cypress to match the original cypress shingles; researching and testing stains and finishes that will blend old and new and last for years to come; paying close attention to door and window hardware, exterior light fixtures, molding profiles, the color, texture and chemistry of mortar and cement patching, and ensuring the duplication in replacement windows of all the details of the existing windows," he explained.

Using a detailed "Condition Survey" prepared by Chris Flagg of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Tilly firm began work in the summer of 2002. Gary Grasso, a state engineer, worked with the architects to prepare documents to secure competitive bids. Masterbuilders Contracting Corp. of Centerport, under the direction of Joseph Ianno, was awarded the project.

"As the well-planned restoration proceeds, it is a pleasure to be involved with brightening the future for this historic gem," remarked Mr. Ianno. "The timber frame, viewed from inside the hay barn, is best described as ‘simple genius,’ a wonderful example of the marrying of design and construction," he noted.

As a result of his work on the project, Mr. Grasso reflected, "I am very appreciative of the Caumsett Foundation for spearheading this restoration and for providing the dairy barn complex with the tender loving care it deserves. It always is rewarding to be involved in restoring a piece of Long Island history and I think people will be amazed at how dramatic the restoration of the first two barns will be." Once the first phase is complete, the Caumsett Foundation hopes the visual contrast between the restored and old sections will be the catalyst to address the remainder of the buildings.

Photo:  John F. Barone