Restoration Timeline

 

In the early 19th century, well-heeled socialites flocked to Grymes Hill, an area of New York City with breathtaking views of New York Harbor. The country estate of Louis A. and Laura Stirn was built in 1908. The Stirn Mansion at 79 Howard Avenue was crafted in an Italianate-style, with a neo-Renaissance exterior and Arts and Crafts-style interior. 

The large house at 79 Howard Ave provided accommodations for Louis and Laura Stirn and their five children; Laura Stirn’s widowed sister, Emily Wicchers and her son Manolo; two maids, and a cook. According to Laura Patrick, the Stirns’ granddaughter, “There was a great hall, living room, music room, conservatory, dining room, kitchen, pantry, and powder room on the first floor; six bedrooms, a sitting room, and two bathrooms on the second floor; and two large bedrooms, and three maid’s rooms, on the third floor.” 

The Stirns occupied their “charming residence …known for its splendidly appointed gardens and beautiful view of the surrounding country and adjacent waters” until their deaths. Laura Stirn died in 1943, Louis Stirn in 1962. 

1963: The house was sold to Reuben Gross, a prominent attorney and leader in the Jewish community, and his wife, Blanche Gross. Around 1968, the Gross family moved out and loaned the house to a yeshiva for two years before moving back. In the late 1970s a group of entertainers rented the home for a time, and Roberta Flack lived there briefly. 

1988: The Gross family leased the mansion to Wagner College President Norman Smith, who lived in the palatial home and entertained frequently in grand style.

After Dr. Smith’s relocated to England, the house and its grounds began to degenerate and fall apart as heirs of the Gross family’s estate were in litigation for 11 years.

There was concern among neighbors and preservationists that the mansion was to be sold and demolished to make way for several new homes. 

2001: Through the efforts of concerned area residents, the Stirn Mansion was protected from demolition through a New York City Landmarks Preservation designation. At that point, the Gross estate had been subdivided into two lots (79 Howard Ave. and 77 Howard Ave). The lot rear to the mansion was not part of the landmark designation, and permission was granted for three homes to be built at 77 Howard Ave. If that had occurred, the spectacular view from the mansion would have been severely obstructed by more mega-mansions.

ARCHITECT PLANS, AGENCY PERMITS AND APPROVALS, FORMATION OF A 501(C)(3), TRANSFER OF DEED TO THE ITALIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION 2008 – 2010

ADAPTIVE RE-USE FROM PRIVATE HOME TO PUBLIC CULTURAL INSTITUTE: Finalized architect plans and received all necessary building permits and approvals in compliance with NYC Building Codes, 2nd Egress and Fire and Safety requirements, NYC Zoning Resolution and ADA regulations: Department of Buildings, City Planning, Landmark Preservation Commission, Environmental Protection Agency.

  • Formed a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit: by-laws, mission statement, filing and approval with Attorney General Department of State and Education, appointed a Board of Directors.
  • General clean-up of the interior, removal of debris, and removed all asbestos in the basement, second and third floors.
  • Temporarily repaired sections of the roof.
  • Landscaping work: Removed overgrown vines, brush, dead trees and limbs from the property. Trimmed and maintained existing trees, shrubs, hedges and lawn.
  • Restored deteriorated and dangerous pavement on the rear patio; reset brick pavement in a herringbone pattern in compliance with NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

ARCHITECT PLANS, AGENCY PERMITS AND APPROVALS, FORMATION OF A 501(C)(3), TRANSFER OF DEED TO THE ITALIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION 2008 – 2010

ADAPTIVE RE-USE FROM PRIVATE HOME TO PUBLIC CULTURAL INSTITUTE: Finalized architect plans and received all necessary building permits and approvals in compliance with NYC Building Codes, 2nd Egress and Fire and Safety requirements, NYC Zoning Resolution and ADA regulations: Department of Buildings, City Planning, Landmark Preservation Commission, Environmental Protection Agency.

  • Formed a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit: by-laws, mission statement, filing and approval with Attorney General Department of State and Education, appointed a Board of Directors.
  • General clean-up of the interior, removal of debris, and removed all asbestos in the basement, second and third floors.
  • Temporarily repaired sections of the roof.
  • Landscaping work: Removed overgrown vines, brush, dead trees and limbs from the property. Trimmed and maintained existing trees, shrubs, hedges and lawn.
  • Restored deteriorated and dangerous pavement on the rear patio; reset brick pavement in a herringbone pattern in compliance with NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.