The SI Treasure Blog warns that Butler Manor, the 1908-1909 country house designed by Charles A. Rich, Architect for Elmer T. Butler on Staten Island, is scheduled for demolition in the extremely near future.
The only chance of even a temporary reprieve lies with the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The house seems especially notable because it was a direct replacement for an 1890 frame building — same site, same client, same architects — that had been consumed by fire. The new building was built of tile, stucco, and probably other modern materials in an effort to make it fireproof.
Google’s aerial shows the L-shaped house, its remaining outbuildings, and encroaching development:
[Update 09.06.2010: Butler Manor has been demolished.]
Thank you for posting the information. I have learned a great deal from your research on Lamb and Rich. I really appreciate it. The Butler Manor Civic, Tottenville Historical Society and Preservation League of Staten Island are urging NYC Landmarks to calendar a public hearing to the Butler Manor House. The interior is beautiful, but landmarks is more concerned about the changes to the exterior. Part of the original estate includes the Butler Manor woods, which is behind the house and a Bluebelt /state parkland. One of the cottages/gatehouse survives on Hylan Blvd and may be saved.