A Lineage of Visionaries

Laura Natalie Methfessel Stirn—known as Natalie to distinguish herself from her mother—was the granddaughter of John Augustus Roebling, the pioneering engineer behind the Brooklyn Bridge, and the niece of Emily Warren Roebling, the woman who defied 19th-century convention to supervise the bridge’s completion. Her father, Professor Anton Methfessel, was a German-born scholar and educational leader who founded the Methfessel Institute, later renamed Staten Island Academy, now one of the borough’s most respected institutions.

Natalie was a civic activist who leveraged her social standing to champion equal rights, transforming her home into a gathering place for the women’s suffrage movement. Her influence extended beyond activism—she played a vital role in Staten Island’s cultural development, contributing to the Staten Island Institute of Arts & Sciences, the Garden Club, and the Bird Club. She was also celebrated for her impressive collection of rare plants, showcased in the mansion’s octagonal conservatory and across the estate’s 2.5 sprawling acres.

Natalie’s life reflected the powerful intersection of heritage and personal conviction—not only driving meaningful societal change but also cultivating a legacy of progress and beauty. Her passions for horticulture and social reform helped define Staten Island’s intellectual and cultural landscape at the turn of the century.

Louis A. Stirn: Entrepreneur and Civic Leader

Natalie’s husband, Louis A. Stirn, also left an indelible mark on the community. A German immigrant who arrived in New York as a teenager, Louis built a highly successful career in the silk trade. In 1894, he founded his own firm, which became a premier importer of luxury textiles—ribbons, silks, velvets, and chiffons—supplying leading retailers such as Marshall Field & Co. His entrepreneurial success allowed the Stirns to construct their Italianate-style, neo-Renaissance mansion on Grymes Hill in 1908.

Louis was actively engaged with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Staten Island Civic League, and the Richmond County Country Club.  His leadership helped shape the borough’s early 20th-century economic development and social life. Together, Louis and Natalie created a home that was both refined and purposeful—a beacon of cultural sophistication, botanical beauty, and civic engagement.

A House in Decline, a Vision Reborn

Following decades of prominence, the Roebling-Stirn Mansion fell into neglect after Louis’s passing in 1962. The estate changed hands several times, eventually becoming abandoned, vandalized, severely deteriorated and destined for demolition.

In 2009, Gina Biancardi, daughter of Italian immigrants and a longtime champion of cultural preservation, stepped in. Inspired by the legacy of those who came before her, and by her parents’ own sacrifices and values, Gina acquired the deteriorating mansion with a bold vision: to restore it, reimagine it, and repurpose it for public good.

A Herculean Effort in Preservation

In 2010, Gina founded The Italian Cultural Foundation and donated the mansion to the nonprofit to ensure its preservation and continued relevance. Thus, Casa Belvedere—“House with a Beautiful View”—was born.

The transformation from private home to public institution required a multi-million-dollar rehabilitation journey over a 15-year period, fueled by fundraising and grant support, including the prestigious Save America’s Treasures award from the National Park Service. The restoration addressed:

Structural reinforcements to prevent further decay
Modernized infrastructure to support a fully operational cultural center
Fire and safety compliance for public use
ADA accessibility to welcome all visitors
Historic preservation efforts to honor the mansion’s original integrity.

What began as a crumbling relic on the verge of collapse has been meticulously rebuilt and reimagined. Today, Casa Belvedere stands as a cultural beacon, where shared experiences, cherished traditions, and a profound sense of belonging flourish.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Future Generations

As Casa Belvedere celebrates its 15th anniversary, exciting plans for expansion are underway, ensuring its role as a world-class destination for learning, culture, and connection. The Campus Vision: Inspiring Future Generations includes:

Hydroponic Learning Lab – Innovating education with sustainable agriculture;
The Verrazzano Vista Pavilion – A breathtaking venue for events and cultural experiences;
Educational Vineyard – Honoring Italy’s winemaking traditions with hands-on programs;
Eco-Friendly Parking Area – Enhancing accessibility while preserving the estate’s beauty;
Architectural Lighting Enhancements – Showcasing the mansion’s grandeur against the stunning NYC harbor backdrop.

A Renaissance in the Present Day

Today, Casa Belvedere is a dynamic cultural campus open to the public year-round, offering hundreds of programs that celebrate Italian heritage and foster community engagement. From language and cooking classes for all ages to film screenings, concerts, art exhibits, festivals, bocce tournaments, and Nonno’s Community Garden, our offerings are as diverse as they are meaningful.

The campus also features historic house tours, the Enrico Caruso Gallery, and rotating exhibitions that showcase the arts while honoring our landmark building’s storied past. Casa Belvedere proudly awards annual scholarships to college-bound students, and partners with local charities and food pantries to give back through philanthropic outreach and garden harvest donations. As both a vibrant gathering place and a steward of historic preservation, Casa Belvedere invites the community to learn, connect, and celebrate culture in a truly unique setting.

The mansion, designated a New York City Landmark in 2001 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, stands as a living monument—not just to Italian heritage, but to visionary women, entrepreneurial pioneers, and the power of preservation.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

Casa Belvedere is a testament to vision, perseverance, and the power of community. To be part of its next chapter through a naming opportunity or other contribution, please contact Gina Biancardi at gina@casa-belvedere.org.

Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future.