Apartment Combinations

Here is an LFA project that is in construction. The second kitchen was removed and a walk-in closet created, along with other closet modifications. The remaining kitchen was expanded and opened to the living room, and a dining area was carved out at the window wall. 

LFA has worked on townhouses, and written prepurchase reports when people are considering buying an apartment or house. Retail too, see our website: www.lfaarchitecture.com

Garibaldi in Staten Island

I've passed this house many times, in the Rosebank section of Staten Island.  On closer inspection, it is a monument to a fascinating man who was pivotal to Italian history. 

This plaque gives but a glimpse into the life of Garibaldi, who was a natural political and military leader.  He traveled extensively, and could motivate people wherever he went. While living in Uruguay, for example, Garibaldi began an Italian Legion in the Uruguayan Civil War, and later returned to Italy as a commander and helped to win several battles. In 1849, he took on the defense of Rome and led the Republican Army against the encroaching French. 

Garibaldi went into exile after an epic march, and ultimate withdrawal from Italy. A wealthy Italian merchant, Francesco Carpanetto, offered to finance a ship which Garibaldi would command--this brought him to America. When he arrived, the finances had fallen through and Garibaldi ended up living in this cottage owned by the inventor Antionio Meucci, on the north side of Staten Island, though he stayed for only one year. He soon departed for Nicaragua, Peru, China, Australia and and back to the US. He had a lifetime of adventures, for more information, read here: wikipedia.com.

If anyone happens to have an image of the flag of the Italian Legion from the 1840s, please forward it, I would love to post it here. It is described as a black flag with a volcano in the center.

Christo Projects: The Gates & Over The River

 In February 2005, Lynne Funk was a team member installing "The Gates" in Central Park. The orange fabric was encapsulated in a cocoon at the top of each steel frame, later to be unfurled simultaneously.  

Christo with his wife, the late Jean-Claude, began the approval process for "Over The River" several years ago. It will be horizontal plane of fabric which will act as a canopy over the Arkansas River in Colorado.

For more information click: Over The River and Artsy about Christo & Jean-Claude page

Marine Dreams: Watercolors by Lynne Funk

Newport, Rhode Island

Pines Harbor, Fire Island, NY

 

Maui, Hawaii

Historic Church in Brooklyn

St. Mary's began as a Sunday School on Classon Avenue and Wallabout in 1836, by the same reverend in charge of Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan. 

The parish grew rapidly, so the church relocated in 1859 to Willoughby Street and Classon Avenue.  This Gothic structure was designed by Richard Auchmuty.

The edifice is brown freestone. 

There are several buildings on the lot. St. Mary's was landmarked by NYC in 1981.  

In 1983, St. Mary's was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The next time you are in Clinton Hill, stop by to see this beautiful scene in person.

--by Fran Holstrom

Clinton Hill resident