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Dozens of firefighters responded to the Wildcliff Manor in New Rochelle shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, when a fire was reported at the building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The three-alarm fire quickly tore through the building, which has been unoccupied for years.
In response, city officials announced they are forming an Advisory Committee to “examine options for the future of the structure and grounds.”
The Wildcliff Advisory Committee will consist of eleven members: City Council Member Albert Tarantino, who will chair the body, City Historian Barbara Davis, Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse Committee President Millie Radonjic, neighbor Anthony Paolercio, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Bill Zimmermann and Department of Development Senior Project Manager Suzanne Reider.
Five spots on the Committee have also been reserved for members of the community, who will be chosen based on applications received. Those interested in applying can do submit an application online by Monday, Jan. 7.
According to Davis, the mansion was built as a wedding gift in 1855 for Cyrus Lawton and wife, Sarah Marie Davenport.
“Wildcliff, as the Gothic cottage was later renamed, was gifted to the City of New Rochelle by the Julius Prince family in 1940. After having been utilized for city offices the building has housed a variety of not-for-profit groups and functions, including Wildcliff Natural Science Center, East Coast Performing Arts and Wildcliff Center for the Arts. The interior of the building has not been used for several years; the exterior was restored with funds from the sale of an adjacent property.”
Earlier this month, four 13 year olds were arrested and are currently being held accountable for the fire. They are facing criminal trespassing charges and one has been charged with arson.
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