HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10)– The Fredric Church Center for Art and Landscape, a new facility at the Olana State Historic Site officially opened Friday. The center will serve as a welcoming center and entry point for the site.
Olana is the 19th century home, studio and designed landscape of Hudson River School artist, Frederic Edwin Church. The castle-like building, visible from Catskill’s historic Point and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year; the new building will be the welcoming gateway for the visitors while making all 250 acres of the landscape an integral part of the experience.
“Olana State Historic Site is one of the Hudson Valley’s most striking destinations, drawing visitors from around the world,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “With the opening of the Frederic Church Center, even more residents and visitors can fully experience the work of one of our nation’s most visionary artists right here in New York State.”
The all-electric building is the first structure built at the site since Church’s lifetime. Other buildings on the site, however, have been restored and rehabilitated.
The design of the new Frederic Church Center features a whole building systems approach to achieve a low environmental impact and reduced energy consumption with minimal maintenance. Work also included new wayfinding signage throughout the site and improvements to existing infrastructure.
“The stunning, zero-emission and mass-timber Frederic Church Center for Art and Landscape at Olana State Historic Site is a fitting 21st century tribute to the visionary 19th century Hudson River School painter, environmentalist, architect, landscape designer and farmer as it welcomes residents and visitors from across the globe to New York State’s beautiful Hudson Valley,” Assemblymember Didi Barrett said.
The President of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Doreen Harris shared the same sentiments. Harris said the project enhances a desirable experience in the Hudson Valley.
“The new all-electric building at Olana State Historic Site is an example of how New York State is complementing renowned destinations with zero-emission building solutions,” Harris said. “This project is another step towards building a better, more sustainable future as the new welcome facility not only enhances an already desirable experience in the Hudson Valley but serves as a model for public-private partnerships at work.”
The welcome center features a lobby for ticket purchases and a brief history of the site, gender neutral bathrooms, a multipurpose room with outside terraces and paths that connect to the carriage road and a café. The Center for Art and Landscape will also be used for interpretive programing and recreational uses.
According to the Olana Partnership, the $18 million construction project was funded through different investments, grants and donations. In response, the Frederic Church Center is estimated to boost Olana’s annual economic impact in the Capital Region by 17% to $15.7 million and to increase the number of jobs supported to 240, a 28 percent increase.
“Today (Friday) we celebrate not just the opening of the new Frederic Church Center, but the power of public-private partnerships within our State Park system,” New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said. “We are thrilled to officially open this beautiful facility, a testament to our shared commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural spaces. This is a true milestone for our park and all those who treasure the Olana State Historic Site.”
Olana’s landscape is free and open every day from 8:00 am to sunset. Tours of Olana are also offered, and tickets can be purchased at the center or by calling 518-751-0344 or 518-828-1872.
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