New Conference Center  

Great excitement filled the trustees this past year when it was learned that the Landis Arboretum would be the recipient of a $53,000 grant from the National Heritage Foundation through the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation. The grant money may be used only for the construction of a conference center on the arboretum grounds. Mr. James Gage, Friend and supporter of the arboretum and husband of Trustee Sally Gage, was instrumental in securing the grant. He and Director Fred Lape moved swiftly to arrange for a new well to be drilled so adequate water would be available for the new Center.

In July, Director Lape appointed Trustees Dale Morgan, James Bates, Forest Corbin, Paul Blair, and J, Gilbert Harlow to a Conference Committee charged with the planning and construction of the Center.

Selection of an architect was a thorough process as the committee was bound by extensive State guidelines and regulations. The firm of Hartheimer, Bender and Estey of Delmar was selected. The committee and Mr. Lape met a number of times with the architect to explain the philosophy and goals of the arboretum so the best site and design could be chosen and developed. The Conference Center will be built to the rear of the barn, in front of the peony bed, on a knoll overlooking the pond and the Schoharie Valley beyond.

Specifications were drawn up and five construction firms bid for the contract. Four bids exceeded $74,000 and, after some negotiation, the fifth was within the grant range. Finally, on December 29, 1983, a contract was signed with MTR, Inc. of Albany. Construction should be completed in late spring or early summer.

The contract allows for the structure to be built minus one 12-foot bay and the electrical work. Options to complete this work must be exercised by April 1 and July 1 respectively if funds are available.

The Center is designed in a style consistent with the other buildings on the grounds, and will be available for use by students, scientist, garden clubs, and community groups, and will be accessible to the handicapped. The building will house a meeting area to accommodate 100-120 people, new bathrooms, and a small kitchen area. A new septic system is included. Long-range plans include the possibility of a fireplace for extended seasonal use, and outside deck, interior stairs, a mezzanine, and road improvements, as well as other additions.

Arboretum trustees will soon report the status of construction and the donations received to enable completion of the center. a mezzanine, and road improvements, as well as other additions. 

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Over the years, the Meeting House received upkeep and improvements including new windows, flooring, and the addition of a wraparound deck. In 2021 through NY Rising and the Governor’s Office for Storm Recovery (GOSR), a shelter for the community was built next to the Meeting House, as discussed in Landis Meeting House Shelter Benefits Community (Spring 2020 issue). 

As reported in Volunteers and Donors Renovate Meeting House (Fall 2023) and "Taking Big Steps": Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation Gifts (Spring 2024), very generous grants allowed us to bring the Nicholas J. Juried Meeting House and surrounding parking area to a whole other level. As Louise Polli noted in her 2024 article, "The million-dollar view still impresses and costs us nothing, but Mr. Juried’s grants open up many new possibilities. New windows and doors sharpen that view. New siding and insulation protect the building’s integrity from the elements and align it with the adjoining Schoharie County emergency shelter. Brides and grooms, celebration of life and memorial attendees, and hikers and birders – all will be delighted by a stunning open-air pavilion, larger pond, landscaping, walking path, and expansive parking lot at the Nicholas J. Juried Meeting House."