Location: Rochester, NY
Cost: $1,700,000
Description: This meticulous restoration project was a result of team effort involving the House and Garden Restoration Committees, Bero Associates as the restoration architect, historic interiors specialist, skilled craftsmen, landscape architects, and construction manager/general contractor.
The required program provided an authentic, museum-quality restoration, while accommodating systems for fire safety, physical safety, museum-level security, and universal accessibility. The first floor principal rooms, exterior finishes, roof balustrades, garden arbor, and garden trellis were restored to their appearance during George Eastman's occupancy (1905-1932).
The exacting study of enlargements of historic photographs provided the architect with detailed visual documentation of the mansion's original appearance. Moldings, bookcases, wainscoting, casework, planters, railings, and other architectural details were duplicated thanks to these photographs. Fire alarms, smoke detectors, motion sensors, railings and wheelchair access were designed to be as discreet as possible.
Exterior work included investigation to determine the original colors, leading to the present four color paint scheme, and restoration of the gambrel railing.
The restoration of the trellis in the East Terrace Gardens and the grape arbor contributes to the overall historic accuracy of the project. Inconspicuous flashing and ventilation details are designed to prolong the life of these garden structures while not obscuring character-defining features.
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