St. Bartholomew's Church and Community House Named National Historic Landmark

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Nov 11, 2016, 02:20 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. Bartholomew's Conservancy, organized in 2011 to raise funds to restore, preserve and maintain the exteriors and gardens of St. Bartholomew's Church and Community House in midtown Manhattan, announced today that the St. Bartholomew's site has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Restoration of the iconic Great Dome atop St. Bartholomew's Church is currently underway. (Photo Credit: Millard Cook)

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell noted that the designation of National Historic Landmark status recognizes a property of exceptional value and quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. "These landmarks reveal important pieces of our nation's diverse heritage through art, architecture and stories of community and identity," said Secretary Jewell.

Built in 1918 and completed in 1930, St. Bartholomew's Church is a colorful Romanesque structure with Byzantine features and rich decoration located on Park Avenue between 50^th and 51^st Streets. The church is a pivotal example of the work of architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue (1869-1924) and an outstanding example of early 20^th century ecclesiastical architecture. A defining feature is the extraordinary Romanesque triple portal designed by architect Stanford White.

St. Bartholomew's Church and Community House has been a New York City Landmark since 1967 and on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. Nevertheless, over the years the buildings have suffered from a lack of funds to maintain and preserve them.

"Conferring National Historic Landmark status on the St Bartholomew's site is a pivotal event," says Carole French, President of the Board of Directors of the St. Bartholomew's Conservancy. "It underscores the importance of the Conservancy's ongoing work to raise the funds needed to restore, preserve and maintain this architectural treasure for future generations."

Restoration of the iconic Great Dome atop St. Bartholomew's Church is currently underway. The Conservancy is seeking to raise an additional $20 million to restore the colorful Church and Community House facades.

For further information, please contact Conservancy Executive Director Constance Evans at (212) 710-9694 or visit www.stbconservancy.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161110/437989

SOURCE St. Bartholomew's Conservancy