Hamilton Grange at its current location./Image Credit: LPC
The Federal-style mansion is also a national historic landmark. On May 19, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar a decision to amend the individual landmark designation for the Hamilton Grange mansion located in Hamilton Heights, Manhattan. Hamilton Grange is a two-story frame mansion that belonged to Alexander Hamilton. The mansion was located at 287 Convent Avenue at the time of its designation but it was moved to 414 West 141st Street in 2008. The amendment would rescind the designation for the former site and designate the current site.
Hamilton Grange was designated as an individual landmark on August 2, 1967. The mansion, built in 1801 by Ezra Weeks, is a Federal-style building that features characteristics such as verandas, pilasters, and Doric style columns and roof cornice. Hamilton Grange was used as a rural retreat by Alexander Hamilton during his service as a soldier and a statesman. The mansion has been moved three times since it was built. It was originally located on Kingsbridge Road but in 1889, the mansion was moved to 287 Convent Avenue where it became a church and rectory for Saint Luke’s Church. While the mansion was at 287 Convent Avenue, Congress established Hamilton Grange as a national historic landmark in 1976. The mansion is currently under the operation of the National Parks Service.
In 1993, Landmarks issued a Certificate of Appropriateness to move Hamilton Grange to its current location at 414 West 141 Street. The National Parks Service completed the mansion’s move in 2008. According to a Landmarks spokesperson, a landmark designation amendment is proposed for the former site of Hamilton Grange because the mansion has been relocated and there is nothing of architectural, historic, or cultural significance on the site. The proposed landmark designation amendment would reflect the current location of Hamilton Grange.
The process to amending a landmark designation mirrors the designation process. After calendaring, Landmarks will hold a public hearing on proposed designation amendments and approve them by a vote.
Landmarks will hold a public hearing on Hamilton Grange’s landmark designation amendment at a later date.
By: May Vutrapongvatana (May is the CityLaw Fellow and New York Law School Graduate, Class of 2019).