As we continue to research repurposing for this unique site, one of the concepts is a preservation trades campus to teach skills related to restoring or rehabilitating regional structures and landscapes in need of work. There is palpable enthusiasm for this idea. In the meantime, stabilization work proceeds.
Restoration Process
& Progress
Current Projects
The Hoyt Carriageway Bridge
In 2022 Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance completed a NYS Greenway-funded engineering study on the repairs needed to reopen the Hoyt Carriageway Bridge, the historic main entrance to The Point. We have recently been awarded a Parks and Trails NY grant to partially fund the repair work. Phases 1 and 2, the tree removal and concrete repair, are now complete.
Phases 3 and 4, the wood decking and side fencing replacement, are next. CSX Transport, the owner of the railroad tracks under the bridge, is insisting that CVPA or NYS Parks assume “ownership” of the bridge to proceed with the repairs. This issue is under discussion.
Here is a link to the 2022 Historic Structure Report by Peter Melewski LLC
The Hoyt Carriageway Bridge repair project is supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Grants and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The Park and Trail Partnership Grants are administered by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Planned Projects
Feasibility Study
CVPA is applying for a 2026 PTNY grant to fund a feasibility study for the site. The study will explore the conceptual, physical and economic viability of turning The Point into a preservation and restoration trades training campus.
Ongoing Stabilization
CVPA is undertaking urgent stabilization work at the 1855 Hoyt residence. Nature has created holes into the structure on the north and south sides, allowing weather and animal incursions into the basement, and there is a growing roof leak on the western side that will only get worse as time goes on. Also, a decayed dining room exterior roof overhang on the north wall needs immediate removal and sealing. Stabilization estimates for these issues amount to about $75,000. NY State Senator Michelle Hinchey has procured a $50,000 CREST grant for CVPA for this work, which will commence in November of 2025.
Also, in order to make practical, if temporary, use of the brick barns, utilities must be addressed: water, electric, sewer, heat, road access, etc.
Read the CVPA Stabilization Report by CVPA board member and architect Peter Sweeny.
Past Projects
The Portico Stabilization
CVPA hired Mike Pelletier of The Housewright to shore up the front portico, which was in danger of collapse.
Slate Roof Repairs
A vital project in 2014 was the replacement of the slate roof and copper gutters, which had deteriorated. At the same time, a jarring mid-20th century kitchen addition on the north side of the house was removed, and masonry re-pointing was completed.
Northwest View Cuts Restoration
The landscaping designed by Vaux offered views from the grounds of the estate out into the Hudson river and the Catskill mountains beyond. CVPA has restored one spectacular viewcut of the river and mountains to the northwest, just as Vaux and Mr. Hoyt intended (see bottom images to the left).