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Location: Wharton State Forest, Shamong Townhip, NJ
Client: NJDEP, Division of Parks & Forestry
Services: Historic Preservation Plan, Design Development, Contract Document Preparation, Bidding and Negotiation, and Contract Administration during Construction
Project Team:
Preservation Plan for Atsion Mansion and Store: Herbert J. Githens, R.A., P.P., Principal Architect; Katherine E. Cowing, Architectural Conservator and Project Manager; Margaret M. Hickey, Historic Preservation Specialist; Mary Delaney Krugman, Historian; James B. Huffman, P.E., Structural Engineer; Richard Wagner, P.E., MEP Engineer
Atsion Mansion Restoration: Thomas B. Connolly, R.A., Principal Architect; Margaret M. Hickey, Historic Preservation Specialist; James B. Huffman, P.E., Structural Engineer; Kruse Associates, MEP Engineering
Scope:
The Project Team prepared a Historic Preservation Plan for the Atsion Mansion and Store, two of the few remaining vestiges of the once thriving industrial town of Atsion in the New Jersey Pinelands. The mansion, which has been vacant since 1882, is a rare and intriguing cultural resource that has survived from 1826 with a large portion of historic fabric left intact from its original construction. The store, built in 1827, served as a general store until the 1940s, and today serves as a park ranger station. The Historic Preservation Plan examined the evidence of distressed architectural fabric, made recommendations for action and projected conceptual costs. The report also discussed and made recommendations for possible future uses based on their appropriateness to the site's history, integrity, viability and public benefit. The document also contained a Cyclical Maintenance Program to help the State establish long-term maintenance habits. With this report, the State can order its priorities and establish work programs.
HJGA Consulting prepared the construction documents for the mansion's preservation. This next phase of work includes the restoration of the interior and exterior fabric of the mansion including an antique kitchen, plaster and stucco finishes, and decorative paint schemes. The work also includes the reconstruction of the west porch based on existing documentation and historic photographs to accommodate a ramp providing an accessible entrance to the basement and first floor levels. Although the contract documents are complete, this work is on hold due to lack of funding.
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Historic Image of the Atsion Mansion in the early 20th century. Credit: State of New Jersey, Batsto Village Archives
Current view of the open hearth fireplace and bake oven
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