A Royal Perspective on the Value of Lighthouses
By Paul S. Alter, AIA – Design Principal and Managing Partner
Having the opportunity to present our vision for the next phase design of the National Lighthouse Museum to Her Royal Highness Princess Anne was an extraordinary experience for several reasons:
Her interest in lighthouse preservation, storytelling, education, and illuminating future generations about maritime history and cultural connections between nations is profound and it was gracious of her to come to America, visit the Phase 1 National Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island, and be a spokesperson for the Museum’s campaign to expand.
Her focus, intelligence, and level of engagement with the Museum’s director, Linda Dianto, board members, staff, design team, and community supporters was truly inspirational.
Her sincere appreciation and enthusiastic response to the current Museum and encouraging words in support of the vision for the expansion from a member of British Royalty will hopefully provide a powerful boost to the effort of moving the project forward.
On a personal level, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to greet the Princess, thank her for her interest, and share our vision for a design that very much aligned with her passions, and it was tremendously rewarding to receive her positive and thoughtful response.
Highlights of the SKOLNICK Design Vision for the National Lighthouse Museum Expansion
Authenticity of the Site: Former location of the Staten Island Lighthouse Depot, US 3rd District (NE Coast) 1862-1965 – Building 10 at right rear is the proposed site for expanded National Lighthouse Museum
Conceptual Site Plan / The National Lighthouse Museum / Plaza Design joining renovated Building 10 at right, to existing smaller Phase I NLM Building 11 at left. Plaza design based on NY Harbor Nautical chart
View looking South at the historic Lighthouse Depot, Staten Island Lighthouse Depot, US 3rd District (NE Coast) 1862-1965
1st Floor Plan – Visitor Experience: Enhanced program to include Café, Gift Shop, Main Entry, Exhibits, Atrium, and Auditorium
View of Entry / Fresnel Lens Exhibit / Lighthouse Elevator Tower – Visitor Experience: Enhanced program to include Orientation, Exhibits, Graphic Interpretation, Auditorium & Atrium Bridge
2nd Floor Plan – Visitor Experience: Enhanced program to include Exhibits, Atrium Bridge, Children’s Room, “Rescues & Saves” Exhibit, and “Fresnel Lens Gem Room” Exhibit
Rendering of “Rescues & Saves” Exhibit – 2nd Floor Visitor Experience
Rendering of “The Fresnel Lens Gem Room” Exhibit – 2nd Floor Visitor Experience
3rd Floor Plan – Staff Offices / Temporary Exhibit Space / Research Library: Enhanced program to include Curatorial Offices, Research, Archive, Reading Room & Temp Exhibits
Roof Garden Plan / Visitor Experience: Enhanced program to include Café, Outdoor Seating, Harbor and Plaza Views, Green Roof, and Solar Panels
Realizing the Site’s Full Potential: Interpretive Plaza Design, Connection of Building 10 to the current Phase 1 Museum in Building 11 to Expand the Museum and Enhance the Visitor Experience
Inspirational collage; historic photos, lighthouses, site of the Staten Island Lighthouse Depot, NE Region
Please visit the museum, write to New York City’s Mayor, NYC Economic Development Corporation, Staten Island Borough President, and your local NYC politicians to note your support for the National Lighthouse Museum to be given the lease for Building 10 so this project can move forward.
We hope you will also consider donating to this incredible organization to support their effort to enhance the existing museum by expanding into Building 10.
You can find out more about how you can support the Museum here.
SKOLNICK Architecture + Design Partnership is honored to be involved with the National Lighthouse Museum. We look forward to helping the Museum realize its campaign for Illuminating Future Generations and to bringing the vision for expansion to fruition.
ABOUT PAUL ALTER:
Paul Alter has been an integral part of SKOLNICK since 1986 serving as a Design Principal, Managing Partner, and Project Administrator. Paul constantly explores the art, design, and craft of building, bringing expertise to the process from his former involvement in the worlds of boat building, woodworking, and fabrication. His expertise in varying construction methods, knowledge of environmentally sound technology and renewable resources continuously sparks new ideas and solutions. This background, combined with his leadership, attention to detail and management skills, enables SKOLNICK to bring projects to fruition in a timely, well-crafted, and meticulous manner. An ideal liaison with clients and the other key members of design and construction teams, Paul Alter brings unity and focus to the most complex projects. Through his patient and engaging nature, he engenders client trust and confidence. Combined with his collaborative approach to problem solving, these qualities have earned him high regard and respect in all levels of the construction industry.
Prior to pursuing a career in architecture, Paul was engaged in the world of fine woodworking, with over 10 years of experience as a boat builder, cabinetmaker, furniture designer, and housewright. Paul is also a passional sailor and has a more personal connection and appreciation for lighthouses in their significant role as aids to navigation. Paul is captain/owner of the 47’ sloop, “Signorina” with homeport based in Sag Harbor, NY. He has cruised extensively along the New England Coast of the United States, the Caribbean & Bahamas, Greece, and Portugal and has frequently had to rely on a lighthouse to confirm his location in safe and navigable waters.