PreservationWorks

Thank you, Paul Goldberger, for your clear and cogent summary of the devastating impacts of the proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which would "render this type of review process impotent. If the changes go forward, the wanton destructiveness behind the arch and the East Wing ballroom will be just the beginning."

If you wonder why this matters, take a moment to read Paul's short essay:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/09/opinion/trump-washington-landmarks-arch-pool-east-wing.html?unlocked_article_code=1.4FA.p7Te.FK1-q6_t6QCk&smid=url-share

As he astutely observes, "It is ironic indeed for the government to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday by embarking on what Brent Leggs, the chief executive of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has called 'an unprecedented and deliberate attack on our civic and cultural inheritance.'”

What can anyone do about it?

Here is a link with clear and helpful how-to steps, provided by the National Trust for Historic Preservation: https://savingplaces.org/section106

Opinion | It Won’t Stop at the Arc de Trump. It Won’t Stop at Washington. (Gift Article) The Trump administration’s proposed changes to the review process will allow it to take a wrecking ball to historic sites across the country.

The Gatehouse is one of the last remnants in Michigan of the historic Kalamazoo State Hospital, a Kirkbride-plan institution that was demolished in 1939 (the men’s Kirkbride) and 1969 (the women’s Kirkbride). Only a few structures are left, including the iconic water tower and the gatehouse. It is now in danger of being demolished by Western Michigan University.

"Where's the conversation?": Concerns arise over WMU's plans for the State Hospital Gatehouse Western Michigan University's plan to sell, or possibly demolish, a Gothic Revival home on east campus has community members asking questions.

Hope remains for burned Hudson River Psychiatric Center. 'We haven't lost it yet.' After a fire tore through the historic Hudson River Psychiatric Center, preservationists, former staff and developers are fighting to save the landmark.

Great news for our friends in Buffalo! Congratulations Richardson Olmsted Campus!

The nonprofit leading the revitalization of Buffalo’s historic Richardson Olmsted Campus is poised to add another landmark property to its growing footprint.

Legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Jon Rivera and State Sen. April Baskin would transfer the former male nurses dormitory building and more than 1.5 acres of surrounding land from state control to the Richardson Center Corporation. The measure now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature.

The building, built for the former Buffalo State Asylum, would become the latest addition to a redevelopment effort that already includes the Richardson Hotel and the under-construction Lipsey Architecture Center.

Richardson Center Corporation President Paris Roselli said the acquisition creates an opportunity to further connect and complement the broader cultural and architectural assets surrounding the complex.

"There’s a discussion about the fabric of this whole thing," Roselli said. "Ideally we have residential spaces up top. We’ve talked about artist space, perhaps on the ground level, or some sort of commercial, maybe residency space. So there are a number of ideas in play, and the building’s bones are really good, which is great."

Read more at the link in comments.

PreservationWorks continues to advocate and encourage respectful observation of Kirkbride sites. With the heightened awareness of Hudson, we want to remind everyone of the dangerous nature of going on to the grounds of Hudson. There is still an active investigation and we don’t want to see any evidence tampered with, even inadvertently. The entire structure is also incredibly fragile and it is not known at this time the structural integrity of the building. It is not safe for anyone to be there currently. Please be smart and respectful of the site. We thank you in advance.

PreservationWorks is deeply saddened by the loss of the historic Kirkbride building at Hudson River State Hospital yesterday.

We want to thank each and every one of the brave first responders who worked so hard to put out the fire.

We want to acknowledge the many people who have fought for the preservation of Hudson, who have championed remembering the lives of the many patients and staff who lived and worked at Hudson. For those who saw a beautiful building and recognized that the architecture itself is important. For those that fought to have something equally beautiful and meaningful added to their community with the reuse of the hospital. We stand beside all of you during this tragedy.

We don't know what the future will look like right now, but this is not the end. We will continue to monitor the situation, and regroup once we know the full extent of the damage and what remains. Whether parts of the building can still be saved, or a memorial on the property, we will continue to work towards the future and this property, and honor the history of Hudson River State Hospital.

PRESERVATION ALERT: There is currently an evolving situation at the former campus of the Hudson River Psychiatric Center. A fire is confirmed to be affecting several buildings. We will share information as it becomes available.

Good things appear to be on the near horizon at our farthest flung Kirkbride Plan hospital, the Callan Park Hospital, at Sydney, Australia. Not only will the popular parklands receive a number of ecologically friendly upgrades, but a cafe will soon open in one of the buildings (not certain which, but likely the Kirkbride). This reflects a shift from restricting all building use to non-profit activity toward mixed use, a topic of political debate.

Friends of Callan Park

This Just In: Callan Park Is Finalising Plans For More Native Greenery, a Cafe, Tidal Baths and Bay Run Upgrades The popular Inner West parkland's ten-year future has been mapped out and is ready for community feedback.