The three types of Historic Designation are:
Local Historic Landmark or District
In addition to being based on the National criteria and upholding the National guidelines, the local designation adds a process to protect against unwarranted demolition.
New York State Register of Historic Places
To place a building or district meeting the National criteria on the New York State Register, an application is filed through the New York State Office of Historic Preservation. Owners of property with this designation may be eligible for tax credits.
National Register of Historic Places
After a building or district is placed on the NYS Registry, application can be made to the National Register. Owners of historic income-producing real property may qualify for an income tax credit for rehabilitating the property.
The following shows Vestal's historically designated properties.
Drovers Inn – 1844
Built as a tavern and inn by Ransom Baty for John & Jacob Rounds, it was converted to a private home in 1855 for Jacob L. and Amanda Crandall Rounds.
Historic Designations:
2002 Local Historic Landmark
2010 New York State Register
2010 National Register
Rounds House – 1895
Designed by T.I. Lacey & Sons as the family residence of Fayette L. and Susie Knapp Rounds, a tower was added in 1912 increasing its size to 15 rooms. The Rounds family occupied the house for 106 years.
Historic Designations:
2002 Local Historic Landmark
2010 New York Register
2010 National Register
Rivercrest District – 32 Properties
Built in the 1930s, the homes face the Vestal Parkway with the remnants of the Chenango Canal Extension towpath and prism at the back of the properties.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2009 New York State Register
2009 National Register Eligible
(Photo courtsey of Roger Luther.)
Vestal Central High School – 1939
Designed by T.I. Lacey & Sons and funded by the PWA, Vestal’s first high school remains largely unchanged.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2010 New York State Register
2010 National Register
Rounds Coal Company – 1908
This unique building, designed by C.A. Olmstead, had an arch through which trucks passed to be weighed empty and reweighed after loading with coal at the large tipple near the train station. The building was moved to a position straddling the Rail Trail in 2006.
Historic Designations:
2005 Local Historic Landmark
Lustron Houses – c. 1949
Approximately 2680 of these porcelain-enameled steel homes were constructed across the U.S. in the three years the Lustron Company was in business.
Vestal has three examples.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2012 State and National Eligible
Vestal Center United Methodist Church – 1875
A small prayer room that was added in 1896 was replaced by the current fellowship hall and classrooms. The nave remains largely unchanged.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2012 State and National Eligible
Cold Spring Farm – c.1810
This stately 200 year-old farm house for a time had a tavern on the east end. It has received an award from Preservation Association of the Southern Tier for its restoration.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2012 State and National Eligible
Mersereau House – c. 1832
Once the house of John Mersereau, this Federal style home in Twin Orchards was advertised in 1926 as “…an exceptional opportunity to establish a paying tearoom or antique shop”.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2012 State and National Eligible
Vestal Hills Memorial Park – 1931
Vestal’s largest cemetery, Vestal Hills is entered through gates designed by master architect, G.W. McClune of Buffalo.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2012 State and National Eligible
Rounds Cemetery – 1831
Early pioneers Alford and Rachel rest for eternity surrounded by family and friends, as well as William Jones an early proprietor of Drovers Inn.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
2012 State and National Eligible
Vestal Depot / Museum – 1881
Vestal’s D.L.& W. Train Depot was moved in 1972 to a position on the Library campus where it was restored by the town and Vestal Historical Society as the town’s Museum in 1976.
Historic Designations:
2012 Local Historic Landmark
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