December was a month of exciting news for the Gustav Stickley House restoration project on Columbus Avenue. Following a successful fundraiser this past fall, Phase II of the historic house restoration project has received two major grants from New York State. Together these grants will allow the beginning restoration of the home’s interior in 2023.
- A $750,000 matching grant as part of the 2022 Regional Economic Development Program.
- An additional $500,000 grant as part of a NYS Community Resiliency Economic Sustainability Technology Program (CREST)
The Stickley house interior is a landmark in American home design. After a fire in the still-new Queen Anne style house (designed by locally popular arhcitect Wellington Tabor) on Christmas Eve in 1901, a potential tragedy became the catalyst for a new approach in American design. In rebuilding Gustav Stickley transformed the interior into the earliest “Craftsman” interior in the country. For many years, the Gustav Stickley House Foundation, has been restoring Stickley’s former home into a unique historic house museum and guest house.
These grants, added to previous one form local government, as well as the continued support of private individuals, businesses, and foundations will make the splendid interior, and a new entrance, accessible facilities, exhibits, programs, and overnight stays a reality and bring Gustav Stickley’s legacy to the public.
Donations to the Gustav Stickley House Foundation may be made through online payment portal or by check, with this donation form . For more information, visit the Gustav Stickley House Foundation website.
(all photos by Samuel Gruber 2022)