The New York State Inebriate Asylum Anthro 112- Intro to Archaeology Cultural Resources and Heritage Project Patty Clune

The “Castle on the Hill” is located east of the city of Binghamton. It was founded in 1858 to house and medically treat inebriates, treating it as a disease. The building itself is located on a large elevated property of 250 acres, and the building itself measures sixty-five feet wide and eighty-two feet long

Damage Throughout the Years In a fire destroyed the east wing of the castle. Renovations began in 1880, and it reopened as a facility for the chronically insane the next year. The east wing was demolished in In 1993, the west side of the building collapsed and the facility was closed indefinitely. Thankfully the castle was only being used for office space at the time. In 1999, The New York State Inebriate Asylum was listed as one of New York States most endangered buildings.

Why should we care? In 1996, the NYS Inebriate Asylum was added to the national and state registers of historic places, and listed as a national historic landmark the next year. The stakeholders in this piece of Binghamton’s cultural heritage are not just the local citizens but the staff and students of medical students, medical staff, and legislators of New York. We must do everything possible to keep material culture intact and put to modern use a brilliant piece of architecture and history.

What can be done? The goal of this project is to renovate and repurpose the Binghamton Castle as a campus for the SUNY system’s Upstate Medical University, when it will be used for medical training and community medical services. Other goals of the University including expanding the Physician's Assistant Program and adding residency options for commuting students. To preserve historical value and associated artifacts, the newly renovated structure will also include a museum and conference center. The first phase of renovations was legislated $12.45 million dollars in April 2008 from state funding and is generally accepted to have been mainly secured by Assemblywoman Lupardo. A direct quote from her states (when referring to the funding) “It saves a national treasure and meets our medical needs.”

Some of the more detailed work that needs to be done includes the hand carved staircases, the stained glass windows, and turrets (which have disintegrated over time).

When this project is fully completed, the local economy of Binghamton will not be the only thing to benefit. This building sparks interest on a national level. It will be in the eye of medical staff and students everywhere. It will increase the number of medical doctors in this region, which is a needed change. The location itself sparks interest in anyone attracted to Tudor inspired architecture or an ominous and intimidating past. Tourist revenue would increase dramatically if the building was advertised as historical culture and also in use for modern activities. More jobs will be created in the Binghamton area, and health services will improve in general. Benefits

Millions need to be spent to complete this project. However, it is a great candidate for renovation because of certain measures taken while the building was not in use and empty to prevent extensive architectural damage, which adds to the value of the project itself, (i.e. the grounds have been kept secure and the heat was kept on during the winters).

Support for the Preservation of this Historic Landmark Funding for phase one of renovations in 2008 was released by Governor Andrew Cuomo, and John G. Waite of the Architects of Albany was at the head of the project. His firm of John G. Waite Associates, Architects has restored many historical sites around the United States. “The whole exterior of the building is going to be cleaned, re-pointed, the windows are going to be repaired so they meet 21 st century energy standards. The roof is going to be repaired. Even hopefully the turrets will be put back.” -Jack Waite Services within the castle are hoped to be achieved by Work is scheduled to start in September 2013.

Sources: Burton, Haley. “Restoration of the Castle Coming”. Coming html. 24 September Web. 5 May Coming html “Castle on the Hill”. Web. 5 May “Treasures of the Tier”. Press & Sun Bulletin. 2 April Web. 5 May York, Michelle. “Rescuing ‘the Castle’ From Some Dark Days, Architecturally and Medically”. 29/nyregion/29castle.html?_r=o. The New York Times. April Web. 5 May