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Architect
Paul Malo notes that the structure as a whole, excepting the service
wing, is far more sound than it may appear to viewers. Most defects
are merely cosmetic, readily remedied. The villa was built on bedrock,
employing very substantial construction. The exterior and interior bearing
walls are mostly plumb and interior floors are level, except where the
supporting beams have failed or deflected. Even much of the original
roof structure may be reused, despite damage to some portions due to
exposure. Lack of windows and doors, together with building situation,
provided ventilation that retarded growth of rot. In short, the basic
building could be stabilized and secured quite expeditiously.
The
rear service wing, however, presents a larger restoration challenge.
Some portions may be salvaged, such as the rear wall, where
original cedar shingles show virtually no deterioration after more than
a century. Photographs would allow reconstruction of the original
architecture, including the remarkable campanile tower. Probably the
largest component of a renovation project would not be structural, but
rather would be fabrication of the missing windows, doors, and interior
woodwork.
Architect
Paul Malo observes that most deterioration to the building resulted
from leakage of roofs. This caused many interior floors to fail. Although
appearing alarming, these defects are merely local. They do not represent
overall structural disintegration, Replacement of these floors is a
relatively minor carpentry job which could be completed in short order.
Otherwise, the structure as a whole, excepting the service wing, is
far more sound than it may appear to viewers.
The roof should be repaired in the same initial phase. The rear service
wing, however, presents a larger restoration challenge. Some portions
may be salvaged, such as the rear wall, where original cedar shingles
show virtually no deterioration after more than a century.
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Condition
When
World War II broke out, Carleton Villa was beginning to be dismantled
by the owner at the time, the General Electric Corporation. Windows,
doors, interior woodwork, fixtures, even some portions of floors,
were removed by others with consent of the owner. Subsequently,
the building was unoccupied and inadequately maintained. In time,
roof leaks began to deteriorate interior floors. This damage is
the major defect of the building today. Architect Paul Malo observes
that, although appearing alarming, these defects are merely local.
Bearing walls appear unaffected. The floor problems do not represent
overall structural disintegration. The rear service wing, however,
requires more major reconstruction. The tower would require total
reconstruction.
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Architectural
Historian Paul
Malo points out fine carved detail of west facade.
Masonry
of Gouverneur White Marble remains in virtually pristine condition.
The carved ornament is of a quality surpassing the exterior
detail of any Thousand Islands house. Professor Malo observes
that the exterior detail of famous Boldt Castle is, in fact, cast
terra cotta. Labor-intensive craftsmanship of this sort is rarely
employed in construction today.
Architect
Paul Malo observes that most deterioration to the building resulted
from leakage of roofs. This caused many interior floors to fail.
Although appearing alarming, these defects are merely local.
They do not represent overall structural disintegration, Replacement
of these floors is a relatively minor carpentry job which could
be
completed in short order. Otherwise, the structure as a whole,
excepting the service wing, is far more sound than it may appear
to viewers. Most defects are merely cosmetic, readily repaired.
The villa was built on bedrock, employing very substantial construction.
The exterior and interior bearing walls are mostly plumb and
interior
floors are level, except where the supporting beams have deflected.
Even much of the original roof structure may be reused, despite
damage to some portions due to exposure. In short, the basic
building could be stabilized and secured quite expeditiously.
The
rear service wing, however, presents a larger restoration challenge.
Some portions may be salvaged, such as the rear wall, where original
cedar shingles show virtually no deterioration after more than
a century. Photographs would allow reconstruction of the original
architecture, including the remarkable campanile tower. Probably
the largest component of a renovation project would not be structural,
but rather would be fabrication of the missing windows, doors,
and interior woodwork.
Paul
Malo, Fulton, NY
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Presenting
a 2001 "Excellence in Historic Preservation" award,
the Preservation League of New York State said:
"For
over 40 years, Paul Malo has been at the forefront of preservation
advocacy in New York – as architect, author, teacher, scholar,
and consultant. A faculty member of Syracuse University’s
School of Architecture for over 30 years, Paul also maintained
an architectural practice that brought him into contact with many
historic properties. Paul also authored numerous publications
featuring New York’s architectural heritage, from the Adirondack
Great Camps to the Thousand Islands region. A former president
and trustee of the Preservation League of New York State, Paul’s
work continues to protect and promote our historic resources."
Professor
Malo also received the prestigeous Pillar of New York award, "Honoring
twenty-five years of leadership." He has similarly been recognized
by communities around New York State, such as Rochester, Syracuse,
and Thousand Island Park, where he has been a preservation advisor
for many years.
As
an architect, Malo is known for many works in Central New York,
most notably the Onondaga County Civic Center. |
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The
central Living Hall show effect on floors of water coming through
deteriorated roofs. |
he Drawing
Ropom also evidences floor damage from leaking roofs. All windows
require new sash. The large openings originally filled with
plate glass were remarkably "modern" in style for
the time.
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