Preservationworks: Hudson

06/12/2026

A new article from Times Union:

Psych Center fire raises questions about redevelopment plans, cause https://share.google/DlKulX3RYxGz5hWoI

If you cant read it, try: https://removepaywalls.com/https://share.google/CJBKLuLEggXOT8mH1?fbclid=IwT01FWASY2tFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6H8jfuj6w0mBnz7thY8lACp6YjQ8GFdS-aQG6_W8g_NSBhbFG4DUxah5sX6w_aem_fYAPXr3g8uR9qNyj7sYr5Q

As investigators search for the cause of the blaze, preservationists and developers hold out hope the landmark campus isn’t a total loss.

06/10/2026

The Town Historic Preservation Commission has issued the below letter to the Town Board and Planning Board:

To the Town of Poughkeepsie Town Board and Planning Board,

The Town of Poughkeepsie Preservation Commission writes with a profound sense of concern regarding the devastating fire at the Hudson River State Hospital site. We extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders and Town departments whose extraordinary efforts helped contain the fire under extremely challenging circumstances.

As a Commission whose members collectively possess decades of experience in historic preservation, architectural history, and the history of the Town of Poughkeepsie, we feel compelled to state unequivocally that the Administration Building should not be deemed a total loss until it has been evaluated through a comprehensive, independent third-party engineering study. In August 2023, John G. Waite Associates provided an independent structural analysis of the North Tower and North Wing at HRSH: with that benchmark and their familiarity with the site, they should be able to provide an accurate and reliable comparison to their previous and fairly recent report.

Historic masonry structures of this scale and significance have repeatedly been restored following catastrophic damage. Across the country, preservation and redevelopment projects have demonstrated that substantial portions of historic buildings can be retained and rehabilitated, even when their interiors have been severely compromised.

One notable example is the former Kirkbride-plan hospital in Danvers, Massachusetts [image shown]. Following extensive deterioration and partial demolition, the exterior masonry shell was preserved and incorporated into a successful redevelopment project. Today, the property—known as the Bradlee Danvers—has been transformed into residential housing, including reconstructed wings, while retaining its historic character. The project was completed through the strategic use of historic preservation incentives and tax credits.

Closer to home, Wyndclyffe [Image shown] in Rhinebeck, New York, offers another compelling example. After standing as a ruin for decades, the historic brick shell of the mansion is now serving as the foundation for an extensive restoration effort and reconstruction of the interior.

These examples demonstrate an important principle: catastrophic damage does not automatically preclude preservation.

The Administration Building is not simply another structure. It is the architectural and historic centerpiece of one of the most significant sites in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Its importance to the Town's identity, history, and cultural landscape demands that every reasonable preservation option be thoroughly explored before irreversible decisions are made.

Further, it is often overlooked in local news coverage that Hudson River State Hospital is a National Historic Landmark and not merely “a historic site.” Only 3% (about 2500) of the 90,000 sites listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places are recognized as National Historic Landmarks, and Hudson River State Hospital is one of five Kirkbride Plan Hospitals on that list, now at risk of erasure.

Opportunities may still exist to utilize federal and state historic preservation incentives, including National Historic Tax Credits. Additional preservation funding opportunities may become available through the State and future grant programs. Such possibilities cannot be properly evaluated without first determining the building's structural viability through professional analysis.

For these reasons, the Preservation Commission strongly urges the Town Board and Planning Board to require an independent third-party engineering assessment of the Administration Building before any determination is made regarding its future.

The Commission stands ready to assist in any way possible. We owe it to future generations to ensure that decisions regarding this irreplaceable landmark are guided by expert analysis, not assumptions made in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.

A PDF copy of this letter has been attached for your records.

Respectfully, Town of Poughkeepsie Historic Preservation Commission.

John R. Pinna, Chair, and Town Historian
Commissioners:
Yvonne Laube
Christopher Sterbenz
Chuck Agro
Dan Fannon
Coleen McCarthy
David Dengel

06/09/2026

We often get asked how to gain access to patient files because their relative was patient at the Hudson River State Hospital (Psych Center). Currently, NYS has any Office of Mental Health records sealed in perpetuity (forever) citing HIPPA laws which make impossible to gain any knowledge about a loved one or distant relative.

There is a new law in the works and it is close to being passed. It would allow access to patient records who have been deceased for 50 years or more.

Dr. Ryan Thibodeau has been championing this bill and invites New Yorkers to help support it:

"The bill now goes to the Governor’s Office for a signature (we hope!). Would you be willing to write a letter, send an email, or make a call in support of the bill? If you are, please reference: “S4713A(Fahy)/A3733A(Bronson), which designates records and information relating to a patient who has been deceased for a period of fifty years or longer as historic records no longer subject to privacy protections.”


Governor’s Office Contacts:

Mailing address:
The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224

Email: see contact form at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

Phone: (518) 474-8390

Thanks, all! Feel free to invite others in your circle to send messages in support, as well."

Ryan Thibodeau, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Licensed (Clinical) Psychologist, New York State
Board Vice President, NAMI Rochester

The official website of the 57th Governor of New York State, Kathy Hochul. Find information about the administration, issues, & news that affects you.

06/08/2026

An interview with Yvonne Laube, Town of Poughkeepsie Historic Preservation Commission (and PreservationWorks volunteer), and Town Supervisor, Rebecca Edwards.

A National Historic Landmark in Poughkeepsie, the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center, went up in flames again Monday morning, after an initial fire last week tore through much of the 200-acre p…

06/08/2026

A statement from the developer, Ed Elanjian:

THE DEVELOPER OF HUDSON RIVER PSYCH HOSPITAL JUST ISSUED A STATEMENT about the fires that have gutted several buildings at the 150-yr-old historic landmark in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

He wasn’t immediately able to answer my questions about site security and the future of his redevelopment/restoration project.

He said they were “all legitimate questions that will be addressed in due course but now is not the time to take attention and resources away from events at the site.”

I got the email just after our 5pm story ran.

Here is the full statement from Ed Elanjian of Enviro Finance Group:

“The fire that began last Wednesday at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center property is a tragic event that has deeply affected all those who care about this historic site and the surrounding community. While substantial progress has been made, firefighting and investigative efforts remain ongoing, and portions of the property continue to experience periodic flare-ups.
There are understandably many questions regarding the affected buildings, the extent of the damage, the cause of the fire, and the path forward. At this time, however, our foremost concern is on the safety of the firefighters, emergency personnel, investigators, and members of the surrounding community.

We are cooperating fully with all responding agencies and investigative authorities and remain committed to supporting their efforts in every way possible. It is important that these professionals be given the time and space necessary to complete their work thoroughly and safely.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and it would be inappropriate to speculate while the investigation remains active. We are grateful for the extraordinary dedication of the firefighters and emergency responders who have worked tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to protect lives and property.

As the investigation and response efforts continue, we will remain engaged with the responding agencies and investigative authorities as they complete their work. We encourage the public to rely on information released by the appropriate authorities regarding the status of the investigation.”

06/08/2026

Fairview Fire Department official statement:

For Immediate Release: SECOND MAJOR STRUCTURE FIRE AT HRPC MAIN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL

06/08/2026

Important info about the air quality:

With the massive fire at Hudson Heritage, we have gotten questions regarding air quality and asbestos. Dutchess County Department of Health has been coordinating with New York State Departments of Environmental Conversation (DEC), Health (DOH) and Labor (DOL) and shares the following information:

QUESTION: Where can I find information about air quality?
ANSWER: Air quality is measured at various locations by the EPA, NYSDEC and other community partners. Monitoring data is available at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/monitoring

QUESTION: Where can I find information about exposure to smoke from fires?
ANSWER: NYS DOH provides information about tips when air quality is unhealthy, symptoms, and when to speak to a health care provider online at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/smoke_from_fire.htm

QUESTION: What is done to control the spread of asbestos fiber?
ANSWER: By wetting the structure and maintaining a perimeter around the area, the fire departments control the spread of asbestos during the fire.

For other health-related or symptoms questions, please contact your health care provider. For questions about air quality monitoring and results, contact NYSDEC Region 3 at (845) 256-3035.

06/08/2026

Confirmed the north wing tower and attached area that hadn't previously caught fire are now on fire.

06/07/2026

An email newsletter from the Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor was just sent out: Below is copied and pasted.

HRSH 1

Dear Neighbors,

As you probably know, the Town lost a historic landmark on Wednesday June 3, 2026, in a massive fire that consumed portions of the former Hudson River State Hospital. Thankfully no one was hurt. A deep and heartfelt thank you to Fairview Fire Department and all the supporting crews and agencies who helped fight the blaze. In addition to the Town Police, personnel from the Building, Highway, and Water Departments were onsite to help guide decision-making, direct water to the firefighters, and clear brush and create firebreaks. Fairview Fire District has issued bulletins describing the stages of the operation. At first it appeared that the Administration Building, a National Historic Landmark from 1874, designed by Vaux, Withers & Co. after the ideas of reformer Thomas Kirkbride, could be saved. But with wind and dry conditions the fire spread rapidly and in the late afternoon the building succumbed.

The most important things to know are:

Please do not attempt to access the site. It is private property, it is unsafe, and firefighters are still working to ensure there are no flareups.
Air quality registered normal the morning after the fire. For future reference you can find information here and here for air-quality reports or alerts.
Understanding the fire’s cause will take a long time, and speculation in the meantime isn’t helpful. But the Town will ensure that the investigation is thorough and careful and will share any information that becomes available with residents.
Despite this week’s fire, there is a potentially inspiring future for the site, which has an extraordinary history. It will require time, determination, and imagination to redevelop. The property has long been empty, after New York State shut down its last mental-health operations there between 2001 and 2012, leaving a sprawling site with dozens of buildings and a great deal of debris. Successive developers have purchased and sought to renovate but have met big challenges. The commercial plaza with the ShopRite is now open but the longtime goal of building a walkable community with varied types of housing has not been fulfilled.

Opened soon after the Civil War, the Hospital has much to teach us about how Americans have understood and treated mental illness, over a span of almost two centuries. Nurses were trained there and left a proud record of devoted care. At peak the site, which extended far beyond the boundaries of the core parcel where the fire occurred, included not only tuberculosis treatment centers and full hospitals but also farms and gardens, textile and carpentry workshops, chapels, train and bus stations, ball fields, recreation centers, a golf course, a library—even a boathouse on the Hudson River (now Quiet Cove Park).

With the “enormous condescension of posterity,” as historian E. P. Thompson once wrote, we may think we know much better than the Hospital’s doctors and nurses did, how to treat mental illness. But a quick look around at our mental-health crisis today suggests that we and prior generations are part of a long, shared struggle to get it right. The site’s history encompasses every kind of human experience, from suffering and fear to friendship, recovery, and refuge. Debates over the Hospital’s closure by the state—still a controversial decision—reflect the complexities of its history. Was the closing an important reform that stopped cruel practices of institutionalization? Or did it disrupt relationships of care and companionship, destroying a community and leaving those who were forced out with no place to go? The answer is surely both. Unfortunately, New York State has never fulfilled its pledge to replace institutions like HRSH with equivalent levels of funding for community-based mental health care.

Much is not yet known after this week’s fire, but some of the historic buildings the Town designated for preservation have survived. Hundreds of units of housing are authorized and the Town has secured a grant to build a new sewer line up to the historic central hilltop enabling revitalization. We will continue dialogue with the developer. After many months of preparation the town board unanimously passed, on the very night of the fire, an inclusionary zoning law requiring any developer of ten or more rental units to set aside one unit out of every ten for affordable or workforce housing. HRSH is one of the locations whose future the new law will shape. The Town has also specified that the site developer restore the Great Lawn, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, as a place for gathering and recreation.

Out of the 80 buildings on the “Kirkbride Plan” built across North America and Australia, 35 remain; 18 are still in use for their original purpose and 12 have been restored or repurposed for housing and other uses. Other developers and municipalities have worked together to restore and revitalize such sites in places from Massachusetts to Ohio.

My favorite photo of the site — because it is a bit mysterious — is a postcard from 1918, showing the main buildings from across the Great Lawn. The caption says the view is taken “From Dancing Pavilion.”

Dancing Pavilion?! We know that multiple pavilions were built around the Hospital for gatherings, events, and celebrations. But even though there is a whole book about the site with many photos, assembled by the dedicated members of the HRSH Nurses Alumni Association, no one seems to have a photo of the “dancing pavilion,” whatever it was. And yet, we know that someone built it, and there was dancing.

In February I got to see another Great Lawn that Olmsted designed in Louisville, Kentucky. Members of the Town’s Historical Preservation Commission (special shout-out to Yvonne Laube) have done tireless research and advocacy and are thinking about how we might guide development in ways that strengthen our community and honor the past. Amid the ashes, we don’t know what the future of the Hudson River State Hospital will look like. But whatever gets built, there should be dancing.

Yours,
Rebecca Edwards, Town Supervisor

Phone: (845) 485 - 3607 Email: [email protected]

HRSH Postcard
HRSH 2
HRSH 3 - Interior
HRSH 4
HRSH 5
HRSH 1916

HRSH Nurses
HRSH Nurses parading for war bonds during WWI

More history and photographs can be found at the HRSH Nurses Alumni Association

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TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE
1 Overocker Road

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

(845) 485 - 3600

townofpoughkeepsie.com