Historic Ward House in Tuckahoe
Demolition Began Despite Westchester County’s $2.5 Million 2025 Budget Allocation to Preserve, Protect and Restore This Historic Landmark
The Friends of the Ward House filed a petition in the state Supreme Court today seeking a judge’s order to stop a developer from continuing unlawful demolition at the landmarked Ward House in Tuckahoe.
The improper action by the developer—Biggest Fish Westchester LLC—directly violates the village’s Historic Preservation Law. According to the law, “the building department shall not issue a building permit for proposed work to a local landmark until a certificate of appropriateness has first been approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.”
Despite this clear requirement, village officials issued an interior demolition permit without obtaining the necessary certificate of appropriateness from the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission. This oversight undermines the ordinance’s intent to safeguard local landmarks.
“This action is clearly a calculated effort by the current owner of the Ward House to engage in piecemeal demolition, gradually degrading the property’s historical value,” said Sal Provenzano of the Friends of the Ward House. “Such tactics are an affront to the preservation of Tuckahoe’s heritage and set a dangerous precedent for other landmarked properties in the village.”
The Friends of the Ward House urge village officials to enforce the historic preservation ordinance without exceptions and call on the community to demand accountability.
“Village officials must begin an investigation to understand how this permit was issued without proper approval, and steps must be taken to prevent such breaches from occurring in the future,” added Provenzano. “Any further work on the Ward House should stop immediately until the Historic Preservation Commission reviews and approves the data in accordance with the law.”
The Ward House was the scene of important moments in American history. Captain Samuel Crawford, a patriot and key figure in the American Revolutionary War, was mortally wounded and dozens of patriots were killed in front of the building. The house’s namesake, Stephen Ward, served as town supervisor, county judge, state senator, and Member of Congress, further cementing its place in history.
The Friends of the Ward House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, remains dedicated to preserving this iconic landmark. The organization calls on all residents to join in protecting this symbol of Tuckahoe’s rich heritage.
