June, 2001 issue

The structure was built in approximately 1855 and was used as a boarding house and tavern. After Prohibition began on January 16, 1920, the building was sold to John J. Carbone.

Gradually, the area in Peekskill began to decline as the foundries closed and the Fleischmann Company built a big factory further south at Charles Point. "Carbone's" turned into a grill, later a tavern and over the century it became an institution in the city.

However, after it changed hands again, the building deteriorated, was damaged by a fire and had been boarded up.

At the grand opening of the restored building in March, Eileen and Jorge Yahure presented the Cerretas with the nomination they had secretly submitted to the Preservation League. Eileen noted at the time that she could think of no better way to honor the couple.

Shortly thereafter, the Cerretas were notified that the Standard House, along with 15 other individuals, organizations and projects, had been selected for an award from over 70 applications from across the state.

Requirements for the nomination included a one-page description of the project, including the challenges, unique strategies, plus the positive impact on the community.

The Yahure's wrote, "The Standard House is a three-story Italianate style structure located prominently at the entrance to Peekskill's Riverfront Green .... In 1998 Katharina and Richard Cerreta formed 50 Hudson Avenue Realty Corp. and purchased The Standard House. Like so many Peekskill residents who use the Peekskill Train Station or visit the waterfront, the Cerretas watched with great sadness the decline of the Standard House ...

" ... Due to the extraordinary efforts of the Cerretas, the Standard House now sits proudly and beautifully as a monument to a by-gone era. Restored and occupied, it has changed the entire character of Peekskill's waterfront."

The application points out the Cerretas hired the best local artisans to execute the restoration. "Among others, they hired a fine restoration carpenter who had restored Peekskill's historic bandstand and the Paramount Center for the Arts, a painter who had worked on projects including our local museum and Glenwood in Yonkers and a plasterer who had done extensive work at Lyndhurst."

In the "degree of difficulty" category, the initial legal complications are covered, the problems of staging the restoration without available land, finding financing and structural problems only discovered after architects conducted a survey.

Finally, the Yahures point out, "It has ignited interest in preservation as both an aesthetic movement and tool for economic development. It has also intrigued thousands of commuters who pass by every day on Metro-North railroad...This project exemplifies the impact one couple and one building can have."

Peekskill City Councilman John Testa, former Mayor Frances Gibbs and the Executive Director of the Peekskill/Cortlandt Chamber or Commerce Bernard Molloy, wrote letters in support of the application. Mr. Testa noted, "I am grateful that Kathy and Rick Cerreta saved this building from years of neglect and deterioration."

Mayor Gibbs requested that the Preservation League honor the achievement, "and, in so doing, inspire other property owners to follow this realistic investment example of beneficial quality restoration."

In his letter, Mr. Molloy advises, "During the project, many local businesses benefited from material purchases and the Cerretas, through their dedication to supporting local contractors, created several jobs for our citizens."

The award was presented on May 1 at the New York Racquet and Tennis Club in New York City. Stephen Tilly, architect and John Beers Restorations were also recognized.

The MTA Metro North Harlem (125th) Street Railroad Station also received an award. The complete list may be viewed at