6 events in Passaic County with a date

'Louvre of America'

Renovations continue at Lambert Castle in Paterson

By: David M. Zimmer
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... A century after Catholic Lambert's family sold the late silk magnate's Paterson castle to Passaic county, the historic site again awaits its next chapter.
..... County officials are pressing forward with plans to restore the grounds of Lambert Castle as part of an ongoing rehabilitation project that has closed the site to the public since 2020. Officials said the home's gerunds were at one time among the most popular spots in Passaic county for wedding photos and events, but they have seen better days.
..... "While the castle looks beautiful, there is still some work to be done," said Michael Hanrahan of Clarke Caton Hintz, the architectural firm working on the site's restoration.
..... On Tuesday, [01/21/2025] county officials confirmed plans to seek $500,000 in grant funding for further site work from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres program. Established in 1961, the program supports efforts to preserve New Jersey;s natal resources, develop parkland and promote recreational opportunities.
.... Problems outside Lambert Castle include weak railings, crumbling retaining walls and uneven staircases, officials said. To fix them, representativeness for Clarke Caton Hintz have proposed resetting a marble terrace, installing new pavers in the courtyard and rebuilding the historic steps to the castle, among other projects, county records show.
..... The grant proposal includes the restoration of granite retaining walls, the garden balcony and walking paths, with additional upgrades designed to enhance the overall visitor experience at a total testament cost of nearly $3.4 million, Hanrahan said. County officials say these efforts will protect the site's architectural legacy and provide new opportunities for heritage tourism, recreation and education.
..... The proejct would aloow the castle, carriage house and portions of the property to finally reopen to the public, officials said.

What is Lambert Castle?

..... Built in 1892, the castle was the vision of Catalina Lambert, a Yorkshire-born immigrant who rose to prominence in Paterson's silk industry. the sandstone and granite mansion, designed in a medieval revival style, once hosed Lambert's extensive art collection, which included works by Botticelli, Rembrandt and Monet, according to Passaic County Historical Society records. National Park Service records claim President William McKinley refereed to the estate as the Louvre of America: during a visit in 1898.
..... The county's Historical Society had been based at the castle since 1934 and is due to return under a 50-eyar agreement approved by the commissioners late last year. [2024] Tentative plans are to reopen portions of the castle later in 2025 under its new roof, which eliminated the water infiltration that forced tis closure and spurred the ongoing eight-figure restoration, according to county officials.
..... County officials first gained control of the castle in 1925 and for a short time after used it to house tuberculosis patients. In 19287, however, the site became property of the Passaic County Park Commission. Since, it has been known as the jewel of the 575-acre Garret Mountain Reservation.

Renovations at Lambert Castle continue

..... The restoration of Lambert Castle has been an ongoing effort spanning multiple phases and supported by more than $10 million in grants and county investment. Recent projects included the full restoration of the castle and carriage house as well as improvements to Lambert Tower.
..... In 2022, the county secured $750,000 grant in 2023 funding by development of a Heritage Tourism Master Plan, which aims to connect Lambert Castle with other historic sites across Passaic County, including the Paterson Great Falls, the Botto House and Hinchliffe Stadium.
..... Earlier this month, [01/2025] the county began seeking bids for further improvements at the carriage house complex, which is expected to include the installation of a new storage building, county recored show. The project will follow the restoration of the carriage house, which was completed last year, [2024] and the castle restoration that has been effectively completed since 2023, officials said.
..... work on the castle are expected to be completed later this year [2025] with a view toward reopening the castle, records show. More work is proposed at the property's north lawn. The possibility to bring a greenhouse and a gatehouse back to the site in future phases also exists, officials said.
..... Alongside the Lambert Castle landscape restoration project, county officials are also seeking Green Acres funding for three additional projects.
..... One application seeks $850,000 for a new inclusive playground at Weasel Brook Park. The project scope includes fully accessible playground equipment, ADA-compliant walkways and additional features to make the park enjoyable for children and families of all abilities. Another seeks $600,000 for upgrades to the basketball counts at Garret Mountain Reservation.
.... The last seeks $1.5 million in supplemental funding to create a comprehensive trail network and other new features at Peckman Preserve. Plans include t railhead parking, a multi-use t railhead structure, mowed and aggregates paths, an elevated boardwalk and an outdoor classroom platform.
..... "These projects represent our commitment to preserving the natural and cultural rasters of Passaic County," said Pat Lepore, the director of the Board of County Commissioners. "By seeking Green Acres funding, we aim to ensure that these spaces continue to serve as places of inspiration, recreation and education for generations to come."

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