A sneak preview: Take a look at new features in the Crawford Mansion Community Center
October 17, 2019 at 6:28 a.m.
Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman stands in the newly renovated Crawford Mansion Community Center’s Great Hall during a tour on Sunday, Oct. 6. Behind him, a fireplace that was discovered during the demolition phase of the construction project features a new lintel with the family name emblazoned across it.
The Great Hall before renovations when the wall still covered the fireplace at right and the men’s room was behind it. Courtesy of Bob Buchanan Photography
Gary Zuckerman points out one of the mansion’s egresses which used to have a wall running parallel to it. The granddaughter of Edna Crawford, who donated her mansion and property to the Town of Rye in 1974, requested its demolition because Mrs. Crawford enjoyed looking out the windows.
The north pergola entrance and main handicap accessible entry transitions into the oval room, which now has a refurbished floor, lights and fireplace.
The upstairs arts and crafts room comprises worktables and an adjacent supply room to store and maintain materials. The room’s fireplace features its original lime green tiles and the hardwood floor has been replaced for easy cleanup.
The faux fireplace in the second-floor bride’s room has tiles that showcase scenes from nursery rhymes, such as, “Polly, Put the Kettle On,” which were originally on a fireplace in one of the children’s rooms.
Immediately off the elevator lobby on the second floor, the new community room can be used for Rye Town meetings as well as meetings of other municipalities within the Town of Rye.
Pianist Angelo DiLoreto plays a 104-year-old Steinway piano, which was donated to the community center by the Millman family of Mamaroneck, for guests during the invite-only opening gala on Oct. 6.
Original narrow stairway, the second means of egress from the second floor. There are now two staircases as well as an elevator. Courtesy of Bob Buchanan Photography
Enclosed solarium during renovations. All the windows were replaced. Courtesy of Bob Buchanan Photography
