Yonkers, New York, is a city known for its diverse architectural landscape.
From historic landmarks to modern structures, the city offers a wide array of buildings that showcase various architectural styles and innovations.
Whether one is interested in rich history or contemporary design, Yonkers provides numerous noteworthy examples.
This article explores the 10 best architectural buildings in Yonkers, highlighting the remarkable designs and craftsmanship that define them.
The selections showcase a blend of functionality and aesthetics, reflecting the city’s evolving architectural trends. These buildings stand as testaments to Yonkers’ growth and its place in the architectural world.
1. Philipse Manor Hall
Philipse Manor Hall stands as a notable example of Early Georgian Colonial architecture.
Built around 1682 by Frederick Philipse I, it was the central seat for Philipsburg Manor.
This historic house museum is located in the Getty Square neighborhood and is the second oldest building in Westchester County.
The building showcases the cultural and economic history of the Dutch and English colonial periods.
For more details, visit the Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site.
2. Beczak Environmental Education Center
The Beczak Environmental Education Center is located right on the edge of the Hudson River in Yonkers.
Since 1988, it has been a hub for hands-on educational programs focusing on the river’s ecology, history, and culture.
This center is unique in Westchester County for its waterfront area, offering a safe spot for interactive learning.
Programs are available for people of all ages, emphasizing climate resilience and environmental stewardship.
For more information, visit the Beczak Environmental Education Center website.
3. Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is a key cultural institution.
Located in Trevor Park, it boasts extensive collections of art, science, and history exhibits. The museum is known for its significant display of Hudson River School paintings.
Visitors can also enjoy a planetarium and amphitheater, making it a versatile destination. The museum offers educational spaces for learning and exploration.
4. Sherwood House
Sherwood House is a pre-Revolutionary War tenant farmhouse located at 340 Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers.
Built around 1740 by Thomas Sherwood, it is one of the few remaining examples from that era in the New York Metropolitan area.
The house is fully furnished, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of life in the 18th century. It stands as the second oldest building still standing in Yonkers.
For more information, you can visit the Sherwood House page.
5. Grand Roosevelt Ballroom
The Grand Roosevelt Ballroom is an architectural landmark in Yonkers, New York.
Designed by G. Howard Chamberlain, this Beaux-Arts style building was built in 1904.
The ballroom features 30-foot ceilings and extensive gold leaf decor, making it a remarkable venue for events. It has hosted various presidents, politicians, and royalty.
The venue accommodates up to 800 people and offers a luxurious, modern dressing room for brides. For more details, visit the Grand Roosevelt Ballroom.
6. Untermyer Park and Gardens
Untermyer Park and Gardens is a historic 43-acre city public park in Yonkers, New York.
Located on the banks of the Hudson River, the park is a remnant of Samuel Untermyer’s 150-acre estate, Greystone.
The park features a stunning Walled Garden, which is inspired by Persian gardens. It showcases a mix of architectural styles and is known for its beautiful water elements and intricate designs.
Commissioned by Samuel Untermyer in 1917, the gardens reflect his passion for horticulture and collaboration with prominent architects. They are a testament to exquisite landscape design.
7. Yonkers Public Library
The Yonkers Public Library consists of three main branches.
The largest is the Yonkers Riverfront Library, located in a historic Otis Elevator building. This branch offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades.
Another significant branch is the Grinton I. Will Library, which opened its doors in 1962 and quickly became a community hub.
These libraries provide valuable educational resources and community activities, making them essential landmarks in Yonkers.
8. Dunwoodie Golf Course
Dunwoodie Golf Course, located at 1 Wasylenko Lane in Yonkers, New York, is known for its dramatic topography and steep slopes.
This 18-hole course blends narrow fairways with rolling wide landscapes.
Opened in 1903, Dunwoodie was originally a private course before becoming public in 1957.
Designed with the natural landscape in mind, this course offers a challenging and picturesque experience for golfers of all skill levels. More details can be found here.
9. Ethan Allen’s Old House
Ethan Allen’s Old House in Yonkers is an example of early 20th-century architecture.
Known for its historical significance, it stands as a reminder of the area’s rich past.
This house was once home to some of Yonkers’ most notable residents. It captures the architectural styles and craftsmanship of its era.
Nearby, you can explore the Delavan Terrace Historic District, which includes other historic properties in the neighborhood.
10. St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. John’s Episcopal Church is located at One Hudson Street in the Getty Square area of Yonkers.
This historic church, built in 1752, is a key piece of the community’s history.
Colonel Frederick Philipse III played a crucial role in its construction. The church complex includes a chapel, rectory, parish house, and school.
St. John’s Church remains an active place of worship and a symbol of Yonkers’ long heritage. It represents faith to many and holds significant historical value.
Architectural Styles in Yonkers
Yonkers, New York, showcases a rich tapestry of architectural styles reflecting its historical roots and contemporary trends.
These styles provide a visual history of the city’s development and cultural influences.
Historical Influences
Yonkers is home to many buildings showcasing historical architectural styles.
The Dutch Colonial style is one of the earliest, characterized by gambrel roofs and flared eaves. The Manor House at Philipsburg Manor, dating back to the 1680s, is a notable example.
The Georgian style also left its mark, featuring symmetrical designs with brick exteriors and adorned doorways. The Philipse Manor Hall, built in the 1680s, stands as a prime example of this architectural tradition.
Moving into the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Federal-style architecture introduced elegance and simplicity, marked by flat, graceful facades and classic decorative elements. The Boscobel House and Gardens, though located nearby in Garrison, represents this style from the early 1800s.
Modern Trends
Yonkers has embraced modern architectural trends, blending functionality with innovative design.
Firms like 1100 Architect, founded by David Piscuskas and Juergen Riehm, promote timeless designs that adapt and grow with time.
Residential designs often incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
These modern homes focus on energy efficiency, open floor plans, and large windows to bring in natural light.
Commercial buildings also follow modern trends. They emphasize sleek lines, minimalistic aesthetics, and advanced technology integration.
This approach ensures that buildings not only look contemporary but also meet the needs of today’s businesses.
Firms like Studio Marchetti Architecture are leading this charge with innovative designs tailored to client needs.
Architects Who Shaped Yonkers
Yonkers boasts a rich architectural history, shaped by several prominent architects. This section delves into the individuals who made significant contributions and highlights some of their most influential projects.
Notable Figures
John Carrere and Thomas Hastings: This dynamic duo, known for their work on high-end residences, helped design a country house on 21 acres in north Yonkers in 1910.
They gained fame for creating homes for notable clients like Henry Clay Frick and Alfred I. Dupont. Carrere and Hastings brought sophistication and grandeur to the Yonkers architectural scene.
Thomas E. Haynes: Thomas E. Haynes founded Haynes Architecture P.C. in 1977.
Haynes, a registered architect in multiple states, has extensive experience in residential renovations and new constructions. His expertise has been integral to Yonkers’ residential architecture landscape.
LTL Architects: Established in 1997 by Paul Lewis, Marc Tsurumaki, and David J. Lewis, LTL Architects is a design-intensive firm based in New York City.
Although primarily NYC-based, their innovative designs have influenced architectural trends in Yonkers as well.
Signature Projects
Country House in North Yonkers: Designed by Carrere and Hastings, this grand country house exemplifies early 20th-century elegance. It showcases the architects’ talent in creating luxurious and enduring residential spaces.
Their work remains a significant architectural landmark in Yonkers.
Residential Projects by Haynes Architecture P.C.: Under the leadership of Thomas E. Haynes, the firm has completed numerous residential renovations and new constructions.
These projects highlight the firm’s ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, contributing to Yonkers’ modern residential architecture.
LTL Architects’ Influence: While specific projects in Yonkers are not detailed, the firm’s design principles and innovative approaches have left their mark on local architecture.
Their focus on modern and impactful designs continues to inspire architectural trends in the area.