Wildcliff Mansion

 

Wildcliff Mansion, also known as the Cyrus Lawton House, has a rich history dating back to 1852. It was designed by the renowned architect Alexander Jackson Davis in the Gothic Revival style. The mansion was originally built as a wedding gift for Cyrus Lawton and his wife, Sarah Marie Davenport. It is waterfront and built on a hill with stunning views of Echo Bay.

Over the years, Wildcliff Mansion served various purposes. In 1940, the Julius Prince family donated it to the city of New Rochelle, which through the years used it as a science museum, performing arts center and other uses. There was a proposal to convert it into a childcare facility. The building had been maintained but had been boarded up and unused for a number of years.

Unfortunately, on November 26, 2018, a fire destroyed the mansion. Four teenagers were arrested in connection with the fire, with one facing a felony charge of arson. Following the fire, an advisory committee was formed to explore the future of the property. The committee, chaired by City Councilman Al Tarantino, included city officials and residents who were tasked with reviewing alternatives and recommending a path forward for the site.

Ultimately they decided to keep the mansion's stone walls and make it safe. The insurance monies from the fire were used to stabilize the building and to create a community greenhouse called Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse (HPCG), which is run by a 501 3 c non-profit organization, who hosts events and provides children’s programming. The greenhouses are available for rental through HPCG. Today, Wildcliff Mansion stands as an open ruin that has been stabilized and reimagined for event rentals, which can be explored through the New Rochelle Parks & Recreation department.

The structure features an open-air design with modern amenities, including a catering kitchen and bathrooms, making it a unique venue for various events. In October the mansion and greenhouse are used for a fundraising event called “Haunt at Wildcliff” which raises money towards the greenhouse.

Here are some photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBifhH