Committee for Historic Preservation Debates Historic Significance of Manor Home at 11 Dolma Road Plus Home Sales

The original 1929 home as pictured in a book of builder Walter Collet's work. At its first ever meeting held via Zoom, the Committee for Historic Preservation met to consider the fate of four homes on Tuesday night June 30. Last on their agenda was an application to raze 11 Dolma Road, a grand manor home designed by Scarsdale architect Julius Gregory and built in 1928-29.

CHP Chair Adam Lindenbaum sought to defer the discussion to the committee’s next meeting for several reasons:

First the committee had not had sufficient time to review the attorney’s extensive application, which is 189 pages and can be viewed here:

Lindenbaum said that an article about the house published on Scarsdale10583.com had only been sent to the committee that day. See the article here.

He said that the lawyers were complaining about the press coverage of the application, but dismissed their claims saying, “Anyone knows that Scarsdale10583 reports this stuff…. It is going to come out. It is available to the public…. You have ample opportunity to be heard.”

Lindenbaum said that the Village had asked for an opinion from Andrew Dolkhart, the author of the 2012 Reconnaissance Level Cultural Resource Survey of homes and landmarks in the Village. His letter was received by the Village on June 26, 2020 and has not yet been made public.

He suggested that there were some similarities between this application and another home that architect Julius Gregory designed at 53 Old Orchard Lane and asked the Building Department to make those records available to the committee. He said, “I think some research may be in order about homes designed by this architect.”

Furthermore, the committee members had not had the opportunity to walk the property as it is protected by large hedges and a gate and they were unable to gain access.

Lindenbaum had questions for the new owners, Sarah and Steven Binetter. He asked if they now lived on the property and if they were interested in the character of Dolma Road. As the house is owned by a legal entity he asked if they had the right to live there. He added, “Because you brought up their intention, Dolma Road has been the subject of a neighborhood, as a way this Village came to be. This block is spoken about in general. We are allowed to ask about the integrity of the design and setting – and I think the setting is something for us to consider. Furthermore he questioned the Binetter’s intentions for an adjoining property at 100 Mamaroneck Avenue that was purchased by another legal entity at the same time. He said, “There is fear by this committee that demolitions will happen piece meal without disclosing the larger project issue. What is their intent with respect to 100 Mamaroneck Avenue?”

Steven Binetter responded saying, “We did indeed purchase 100 Mamaroneck. We have no intention to demolish 100 Mamaroneck. It is owned by a separate LLC.” Referring to a comment made by a reader of the Scarsdale10583 article he said, “One thing that concerned me about the article was when people misrepresent me. There was a comment from someone that I was trying to make a buck. I have been a Scarsdale resident for 5 years. I live at 30 Stonewall Lane. We bought (11 Dolma Road) with the intention of establishing our family home there.”

Binetter continued, “The house has severe topography – there are steep steps down to the yard.” He said his son was having trouble navigating the stairway. He continued, “We love the property so much we are spending time in the backyard. The house as it is built is completely unsuitable.”

Attorney Lawrence Graham asked the Committee to hear their case despite Lindenbaum’s move to adjourn.

The lawyers maintained that the home did not meet the Village’s criteria for preservation, and that architect Julius Gregory was not a master, the home lacked “high architectural style” and had lost it’s integrity after repeated renovations.

Architectural Historian Emily T. Cooperman presented her findings about the house.

It was originally designed in 1927 and built by builder and developer Walter Collet. Alternations were made to the home in 1941, 1946 and from 1995-2004. She highlighted altered dormer windows, the addition of a bay window, the construction of a second story over the servant’s quarters, the replacement of a shed roof and the relocation and replacement of the front door. She sought to demonstrate that changes to the windows and repair of the stucco had undermined the integrity of the original design.

She corrected a claim she had originally made in her report that the 3 garage door openings had been changed, saying, “I was under the misperception that the garage doors are different than the original. I now understand that the openings are original.”

She concluded, “that the alterations have led to the loss of integrity of design, materials and workmanship” and that the house “no longer has its historic volumetric organization.”

She dismissed the idea that Julius Gregory was a master, as he applied but was not admitted to the AIA. CHP Member Kevin Reed pointed out that Gregory had received several gold medal from the New York Chapter of the AIA. As further evidence, Cooperman said that Gregory's work had been published in popular magazines of the day rather than architectural publications.

Reed questioned Cooperman’s conclusion that the house did not have “high artistic value.” He said, “In your personal opinion it does not meet the standard for high artistic value … is there some criteria?” Cooperman responded, “It must be exceptional compared to its peers.”

To the question of whether or not Walter Collet was a master builder, Cooperman attributed his reputation to the fact that “he had the perspicacity to publish his work in a book,” (in which 11 Dolma Road is featured.) CHP member Jonathan Lerner pointed out that “Walter Collet was responsible for building half of Scarsdale,” including several homes on Dolma Road.

Cooperman said, “Gregory specialized in the small house. Size is not necessarily important to design. If you accept that he is a master, he was a master of the small house. He wrote about small houses and English cottages, not a large manor house.”

Committee Member Lauren Bender said that Gregory had built large homes of note as well, including 4730 Fieldston Road in Riverdale, 125 Stratton Road in New Rochelle, a large home in the Cotswolds in Edgemont (19 Cotswold Way) and also designed one of the first buildings in downtown Scarsdale, 1 Chase Road. She said, as an art historian, we sometimes see that “an artists significance is not realized until years after they die.”

Referring to the changes made to the home over almost a century Bender said, “The servants quarters were probably changed due because of modern life – and everyone would need to change windows after all these years.”

CHP Member and architect Mark Behr said, “The house is still clearly recognizable. The house is a hundred years old – they have made modifications and additions can be made to homes on the national register. In regards to Collet and Julius Gregory, there is a lot of information on Scarsdale10583 about these two. One Chase Road set the paradigm for the design style as everyone knows as Scarsdale Village. …There is a lot of information that we have to look at from both sides.”

Earlier in the meeting, the Committee approved applications to demolish3 Windward Lane, 49 Fayette Road and 112 Lee Road. The Lee Road home had originally been on the agenda for a February meeting where neighbors raised objections and the discussion was adjourned. Though the structure was originally the NELIC meeting house and school, the committee determined it had been so altered that it had lost its historical significance.

The Committee will continue to discuss the application for 11 Dolma Road at their July meeting.

Sales
20 Donellan Road
Fabulous Greenacres Mediteranean. The heart of this gorgeous home features a phenomenal gourmet kitchen boasting custom cabinetry, granite countertops, Thermador double wall ovens, warming drawer, oversized SubZero refrigerator, SubZero refrigerator drawers, 2 Miele dishwashers, Wolf 6 burner range and 2 SubZero 48 bottle wine refrigerators. Every chef's dream kitchen. This enormous eat-in kitchen, opens onto a bright and sunny family room. The second floor boasts a beautiful master suite with a glamorous marble bathroom, as well as a spacious walk-in closet. There are three additional generous bedrooms and a hall bath. Has a completely new roof, as well as 3 new air conditioning units. Steps to train and school.

Sale Price: $1,715,000
Assessed Value: $1,575,000
Real Estate Taxes: $39,126

34 Graham Road
Modern conveniences blend with old world charm in this storybook five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home. A short walk to Heathcote school, Five Corners, bus to train and more, this delightful home is nestled on a gorgeous, level .31 acre lot (110feet X 125 feet) with mature plantings and garden. The entrance foyer opens to the spacious living room with random width pegged oak floors, and ceiling beams. The gourmet kitchen features a two story beamed eating area, a suite of Bosch appliances including a 5 burner gas cooktop and French doors to the patio. Accented by arched doorways are the spacious dining room with ceiling beams and office/computer area/den with front facing windows. A few steps up lead to two generous bedrooms and hall bath, and then a few more steps up to the master bedroom suite with vaulted ceiling and another bedroom with ensuite bath. Storage in the attic from the master bedroom. The lower levels feature a new family room, fifth bedroom with a full bathroom, television area, laundry room, mudroom, wine cellar, and garage.

Sale Price: $1,170,000
Assessed Value: $1,000,000
Real Estate Taxes: $24,958

1 Axtell Drive
It can't be denied, location doesn't get better than this. Convenience is the ultimate luxury. Let this enviable Crane Berkley location, so close to the train, Starbucks, Hoff Barthelson, and newly refurbished Hyatt Park be your inspiration to further customize this expanded Ranch. Master bedroom with custom closets on first floor. Luxurious master bath with radiant-heated floor meets the taste and needs of today's buyer. Renovated in 2001 with new Pella windows, powder room, 2-zone heating and air conditioning and much more. Wired for FIOS. This block's electric is underground so there's no need for a generator. Crane Berkley offers activities for neighborhood residents. The beauty of the Crane Berkley pond where you may fish, use a rowboat, or just admire makes this neighborhood unique. Additional 500 square feet of finished recreation space in basement. New washer and dryer and new electric panel.

Sale Price: $1,475,000
Assessed Value: $1,500,000
Real Estate Taxes: $36,479

22 Prince Willow Lane
Wonderful young home. With an open, light, contemporary feeling, and newly stained wood floors throughout, a newly renovated kitchen has new custom cabinets, white quartz countertops, Jenn-Air Range, KitchenAid Dishwasher, and SubZero Refrigerator. Enjoy dining in the sun-drenched breakfast/dining with doors to the patio and cathedral ceiling area, open to the kitchen and family room with fireplace. The formal dining room and living rooms are spacious, also light and airy. The master bedroom has three closets, two are walk-in, a dressing area and fireplace. In addition, there are three bedrooms, one is ensuite. The lower level has a large recreation room, perfect for a pool table and billiards table. The lower level also has the fifth bedroom, full bath with access from the bedroom with walk in closet, or rec room, and abundant storage. Enjoy the whole-house Generac generator, Smart Home System (app turns security system and lights and garage doors on and off), invisible pet fence on a beautiful backyard, circular drive, new vanities in many bathrooms, plus much more. Bus to all three schools.

Sale Price: $1,467,000
Assessed Value: $1,358,000
Real Estate Taxes: $33,257

1 Boulder Brook Road
Modern, chic and sophisticated are just a few words to describe this stunning six bedroom/three-and-a-half bath home located in the heart of Quaker Ridge. The first floor features a beautiful expansive master bedroom suite with his and her walk-in closets with an additional area being used for an exercise room. Beautifully renovated ensuite bath with glass-enclosed walk-in shower, (one) additional bedroom with custom built-ins, hall bath, beautifully renovated powder room, an open modern and contemporary floor plan with walls of windows, a formal living room, dining area, chef's kitchen, Viking appliances, center island featuring granite countertops and custom cabinets with a built-in banquet area that has seating for 8. The kitchen opens to a fabulous family room with a fireplace and doors that lead to an enormous deck for outdoor barbecuing, a perfect place to entertain friends and family. The second floor has four additional generously-sized bedrooms and one additional full bath. The private sun-drenched backyard sits on .42 of an acre, close to Aspen and Corel parks. Free district bus to Quaker Ridge Elementary, Scarsdale Middle, and High school.

Sale Price: $1,375,000
Assessed Value: $1,350,000
Real Estate Taxes: $31,656

150 Brewster Road
Ideally located on a coveted Greenacres block, this classic Center Hall Colonial has a two-car garage and big, level backyard backing on the Greenacres Elementary School field, just a 10-minute walk to the train to NYC, and a shopping village. The First Floor has a truly gracious Dining Room for big family gatherings, an unusually large Living Room with fireplace, a sun-drenched Den, Office/Bedroom number 5, Powder Room, and modern Eat-In-Kitchen with granite counters, two ovens, dishwasher, and mudroom/pantry by the back door. Upstairs is a Master Bedroom with updated Bath and two walk-in closets, three generous-sized bedrooms each with a big closet, and designer Hall Bath. There is a walk-up Attic for convenient storage and a Full Basement. This home has been meticulously maintained and improved: new Roof (2019), freshly-painted interior, new refrigerator, new washer and dryer, and two-zone central air conditioning.

Sale Price: $1,300,000
Assessed Value: $1,175,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,960

7 Church Lane
Village home in the Fox Meadow section of Scarsdale. This home is a commuter's dream, offering a short walk to the train, shops, restaurants and parks. The architectural detail of yesteryear is combined with modernity. The first floor offers a large living room with an archway which enhances the brick front fireplace, a formal dining room, a large modern kitchen and eating area with built in cabinetry and a butlers pantry, a family room and a powder room. You will love spending time in the spacious and bright family room boasting walls of windows, vaulted ceilings, 2 skylights, and central air. The second floor offers a master bedroom with an en suite renovated bath and 2 closets. One of the closets is a walk-in closet. There are three additional large bedrooms and a renovated hall bath. The third floor offers a fifth bedroom and full bath as well as storage. Additional features of the home include hardwood floors throughout, a spacious deck for entertaining and a fenced yard.

Sale Price: $1,060,000
Assessed Value: $1,215,000
Real Estate Taxes: $26,718

555 Central Park Avenue Unit#124
Very convenient location. Bus stop to New York city and White Plains is near the Scarsdale Meadow condominium. Also Shuttle bus runs during rush hours to the Scarsdale Train Station at the corner of Underhill Street. There is a Greenburgh Nature Center and 24 hours Fitness center near the Scarsdale Meadow Condominium complex which is a very well maintained Complex. Laundry ( washer and dryer ) is in the unit. Also enjoy an outdoor pool during summertime with barbecue.

Sale Price: $475,000

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25 Hampton Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Classic Tudor style, modern home in a perfect location: in the heart of Fox Meadow, only minutes walk to high school, elementary school, Scarsdale train and village shopping, playing fields and parks. Every room looks out on nature with incredible light; very private. The whole house was completely redone in 2012 to create a light-filled, spacious residence with stunning finishes, sitting on 0.51 acres. Above ground 5,167 square feet, lower level is 2,718 square feet. Almost 8000 square feet of living space over three floors, soaring windows overlook a level backyard and 14’ ceilings in dining and family rooms enhance the open feel. Meticulously appointed high end kitchen with gas fireplace. Living room with wood burning fireplace and doors to the large open deck. Oak floors throughout all three floors. Five bedrooms upstairs and one bedroom in lower level and six-and-a-half baths, gym, sauna, media room, two playrooms, 1100 bottle wine cellar and Crestron Media System. Screened-in porch with built-in gas grill-perfect for outdoor dining. Mudroom with dual access to garage and circular driveway. This rare, architect-designed residence is turnkey ready. Once featured in "East Coast Home'' Magazine's September 2014 issue. Meticulously appointed with incredible details. With a modern look, and unique high ceilings allowing for a bright and wide open feel, the current owner has adjusted the colors of the home, inside trusses to make it their own, along with a full roof redo.
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Open Houses

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