The Historical and Architectural Significance of St. Paul’s

Key Findings

• In July 1869, 7000 acres of the “Hempstead Plain” were purchased by Garden City’s Founder Alexander Turney Stewart for $395,328; The Hempstead Plain was the biggest private land purchase of the century.
• Stewart planned an entire town with his architect, John Kellum.
• Cornelia Clinch Stewart planned the most impressive buildings in GC:  The Cathedral Complex and St. Paul’s School.
• After AT Stewart’s death in 1876, Cornelia continued to improve Garden City as a memorial to her beloved husband. NOTE: Mrs. Stewart accomplished all this before women had the right to vote!
• St. Paul’s is listed on The National Register of Historic Places.
• Designed by Henry G Harrison in the Ruskinian Gothic Style, a style rarely seen outside urban areas.
• In 2003 St. Paul’s main building was chosen by the Preservation League of New York State as “Seven to Save” significant but endangered properties.
• According to Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Goldberger, “St. Paul’s School is far more than a landmark in Garden City – it is one of the greatest works of the Gothic Revival in the United States along with the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
•  St. Paul’s strengthens Garden City as a unique place with a unique history.
• See the in-depth report for the full details on the historical and architectural significance of St. Paul’s.