Restored Experience
Manitoga marked a significant restoration milestone in 2006 with the completion of its Windows and Doors Project. Funded by a prestigious matching grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, and generous donations from David L. Klein Foundation and Marilyn and Jim Simons, the project repaired or replaced window casings, seals and glass throughout Russel Wright's home at Manitoga.
Wright's chief project at Manitoga was to explore how to live in harmony with nature, the passionate foundation of his personal philosophy, and the work that he considered most important of all of his accomplishments. A critical step in "sealing the building envelope" against moisture, wind, dirt and pests, window replacement was also necessary to restore Wright's original design intent.
If you've visited Dragon Rock, you know that two sides of the two-story living room are glass. It is hard to describe how much the badly streaked and fogged windows had spoiled the experience Wright designed for the room. A visit now that new windows are in place says it all. The visitor walking into the room is suddenly fully immersed in stunning outdoor views.
"You feel good restoring an historic structure and protecting it for future generations," said Manitoga Co-President Margaret Doyle. "At Manitoga, you have the additional thrill of restoring an artist's intent," continued the Columbia University-trained Doyle, who also serves as Manitoga's resident preservation counsel. "Russel believed that being in touch with nature is a rejuvenating experience. Here he puts that experience all around you every day as you move through the house. Restoring the windows has restored the experience as well."
Wright loved to experiment with nature's concepts. One person who fully understood Wright's vision was restoration carpenter John Sanchez, who sadly passed away unexpectedly in August. "We were very fortunate to have John for the time that he was with us," said Co-President Doyle. "He worked out for us answers to many questions about Wright's novel and often problematic use of materials and the feeling Wright was reaching for with those materials," Doyle continued. "We would have been lost without John's hands-on solutions and his ingenious problem solving. We miss him very much."
After the loss of Sanchez's just a month short of completing the Windows and Doors Project, Kingston-based fine furniture craftsman Johnny Poux took up the final stage of the work. "We were lucky to locate Poux," said Doyle. "As a creative artist, he understood John's approach, and was able to complete the work beautifully."
"The more than $130,000 project was great practice," said Executive Director Kitty McCullough. "Restoring Dragon Rock's windows and doors was our largest single project to date, following on the major restoration of Wright's Studio with its wonderful 'green' roof, and the Dutchman's Pipe-curtained Pergola that connects Dragon Rock to the Studio."
McCullough knows the challenge has just begun and the Windows and Doors Project won't be Manitoga's largest for long. "Correcting major drainage problems, arresting moisture damage throughout the house, restoring Dragon Rock's interiors and furnishings, creating safe access for our Summer Nature and Design Camp, regrading our drive to accommodate the Cold Spring/Garrison Trolley, and then moving on to restoration of Wright's Landmark 75-acre Woodland Garden will be a multi-million dollar undertaking over the next decade," McCullough noted. "Restoring a National Landmark is a big charge."
Happily, the next restoration phase is already in place thanks to a $250,000 Save America's Treasures matching grant that will allow Manitoga to tackle the most urgent deterioration immediately. "Raising the $250,000 match is a challenge since Manitoga does not have a history of fundraising at that scale, said McCullough. But people do seem to understand the importance of Manitoga, both nationally as an important piece of American culture, and regionally as a heritage tourism anchor that will play a critical role in building a sustainable economy and protecting the area's rural character,"
An extensive "request for proposals" process conducted by Manitoga Board member David McAlpin and Advisory Board member Frank Sanchis, both architects, and organized by Co-President Doyle, selected Kai Woo Architect, a rising star in New York City preservation, for the project. Over the next 18 months, new drainage will be engineered to route water around Dragon Rock, a drain will be created for a basement cistern that was built without one, floor joists deteriorated by decades of moisture will be replaced, a new "green" roof will be installed and landscape elements in the affected areas will be restored.
"Visitor's for our tour programs this summer will have the opportunity to see the still-evolving technology for restoring modern architecture as it is being forged. It's an exciting story and we are looking forward to sharing it," said McCullough.
To arrange a special tour of the restoration for a professional or university group, or to discuss a capital gift to the restoration, please contact Kitty McCullough at 845-424-3812, extension 11