Drugstores: A Success Story at the Forman House
New YorkThe Threat
The Samuel Forman House, a Federal Style building eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, stands at the corner of West Seneca Turnpike and Valley Drive in Syracuse, NY. The residence came under threat in 1998 when a local developer planned to demolish it along with several surrounding buildings to make way for a new 11,000- square-foot Eckerd drugstore.
The Preservation Effort
The effort to save the Forman House is noteworthy; the developer, aware of the community`s track record in preserving its local character, contacted local residents first about alternatives to demolition. These same residents had successfully dealt with other drugstore proposals in the past. Members of the group quickly engaged in discussions with Eckerd on a suitable alternative. The city’s planning department and the Preservation Association of Central New York joined residents in support of saving the Forman House from demolition. Together this informal coalition of community activists and area preservationists urged for more space between the proposed store and the Forman house improved landscaping, sensitive signage, smaller parking spaces and a less noticeable drive-through.
The Result
At the end of 1998 the developer rehabilitated the Forman House for professional offices. Currently, efforts are underway to list the house on the National Register of Historic Places. The impassioned and dedicated involvement of local residents proved to be integral in saving the Forman House.
For more information contact:
Kathy Stribley
State University of New York/
College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse, NY
315-470-6555
