Drugstores: A Success Story in Westfield
New YorkThe Threat
In 1999 CVS/pharmacy purchased the historic Captain Stephen V. Storm House in Westfield, NY with the intent of demolishing it for an expansion of its existing, adjacent drugstore. A popular local landmark, the house was built for Captain Storm, a well-known entrepreneur in the nineteenth century, who made his fortune in water transportation. The brick house, a classic example of the Queen Anne style with elaborate wood detailing, is a contributing structure within the French Portage Road National Register Historic District.
The Preservation Effort
In early 2000, local residents contacted the Preservation League and Northeast Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Upon learning of the threat, the National Trust contacted CVS to express its concern regarding the proposal. Subsequent negotiations resulted in the pharmacy donating the house to the Landmark Society of Chautauqua County and allowing it to be moved to a new site. The Landmark Society identified a citizen within the district who agreed to let the Storm House be relocated on his property and accept full ownership. In order to guarantee the future preservation of the property, the house was transferred with a preservation easement protecting its most significant features and a rehabilitation agreement signed by the new owner.
CVS agreed to cover the cost of the move with the expectation that the Landmark Society would assist in raising funds to cover approximately $375,000. The National Trust contributed $2,000 and raised an additional $30,000, with the Wendt Foundation financing a $25,000 grant and the Preservation League of New York giving $2,000. CVS generously contributed to the remainder.
The Result
The Captain Storm House was successfully relocated to its new site on August 1, 2000. It has been reinstated on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a symbol Westfield’s history.
For more information contact:
Landmarks Society of Chautauqua County
716-753-7880
