Expansion Landmarks Six Additional Warburton Avenue Buildings to the Historic District
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers City Councilwoman Tasha Diaz and Council Majority Leader john Rubbo join members of the Yonkers Landmarks Preservation Board along Warburton Avenue for the signing of the Philipse Manor Historic District Expansion Resolution. Photo by Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers
On April 29, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined members of the Yonkers Landmarks Preservation Board to sign the resolution expanding the Philipse Manor Historic District, adding six more buildings to District along Warburton Avenue. The designation landmarks the buildings’ exterior facades, preserving architecturally and culturally significant buildings on the east side of Warburton Avenue dating from post-Civil War through the early 20th century.
“The expansion of the Philipse Manor Historic District marks an important step in preserving Yonkers’ rich architectural and cultural legacy,” said Mayor Spano. “The designation ensures that the character and history of Warburton Avenue—spanning from the post-Civil War era through the early 20th century—remain a visible and vibrant part of our city’s identity. Thank you for the Landmarks Preservation Board for its commitment to honoring that past while strengthening our community for future generations.”
The Philipse Manor Historic District was originally designated in 2008 with 11 buildings on Warburton Ave. between Wells Ave. and Manor House Square. The southern expansion of the District now includes an additional six buildings — at 6, 10, 12, 14,16, 20 Warburton Avenue. The existing District and the Wheeler Block District stand as a memorial to the Yonkers downtown as it was during the economic heyday of that era.
Charlie Hensley, Yonkers Landmarks Preservation Board Chair stated, “When my husband and I came to Yonkers nearly 25 years ago, we learned very quickly that this is a city that loves its history, and what a rich history it is. I’m very proud of the Landmarks Preservation Board’s ongoing commitment to shine a light on the people and places that have contributed to this historic city’s success.”
The Warburton Avenue buildings represent a diversity of styles that blend together into harmonious height, mass and girth and complement the buildings to the northern and eastern sides of the block. The District’s buildings were built after the original buildings were destroyed in a massive fire in 1893. Notably, two buildings are of significance: 10 Warburton Ave. was home to the Herald Statesman’s first headquarters and 16 Warburton’s façade still displays the original functioning clock at its roofline.
With the newly expanded designation, the City of Yonkers now has 28 locally landmarked buildings in its downtown. They include:
- United States Post Office – 79-81 Main Street
- Gazette Building- 59 Main Street Building
- Richard Haas Mural District on Warburton Avenue and Main Street (west side)- 3
- Philipse Manor Historic District – Warburton Avenue between Wells and Manor House Square- 11
- Wheeler Block Historic District- North Broadway between Main and Manor House Square – 9
- Former First National Bank Building- 20 South Broadway
- Yonkers City Hall
- Philipse Manor Hall
