Sunny Italian Countryside in Rockland County

On December 10, 2011, the Piermont Historical Society will offer a program that will address a certain mystery in local architectural history. In “Italianate Residential Architecture in Rockland’s River Towns” -or- “Why & Where a Style Born in the Sunny Italian Countryside is Found in Rockland County,” Rockland architect Robert Silarski AIA will shed light on this apparent dislocation. The Italianate architectural style’s near-flat roofs and preponderance of detailing made it spectacularly unsuited in many ways to the climate of the northeastern United States. Yet, from the mid- to late 19th century, the region was captivated by it. Attendees at this presentation will learn how this unique style developed and why it became popular, and see many of the stunning examples found here in our own backyard.

Robert Silarski AIA, a former resident of Piermont, is the principal of S&Co.|Architecture+Design, located in Nyack NY. A practicing architect since 1980, his work has encompassed a wide variety of building typologies and has included both new and renovated structures. He has found his residential design work to be particularly compelling, and has often drawn from the rich historical architecture of the river towns for inspiration. Silarski has been honored for his work with awards from the American Institute of Architects and the Historical Society of Rockland County.

Italianate Residential Architecture in Rockland’s River Towns -or- Why & Where a Style Born in the Sunny Italian Countryside is Found in Rockland County will take place at 2:00 p.m. on December 10, 2011 in the Piermont Reformed Church at 361 Ferdon Avenue in Piermont. The suggested donation is $5.00. The Piermont Historical Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, is presently raising funds in order to complete its restoration of the historic Piermont Train Station. The Society is also working towards the restoration of the Rockland Road Bridge, centerpiece of the newly established Rockland Road Bridge Historic District in Piermont. For additional information, call (845) 365-0655 or see the Society’s website at www.piermonthistoricalsociety.org.