Landmarking the Pyrrhus Concer Homestead
This article originally appeared on the Preservation League of New York website.
On January 11, 2021, after many years of advocacy from the Southampton and greater Long Island preservation community, the Pyrrhus Concer Homestead became a Landmark in the Village and Town of Southampton.
The story of the Pyrrhus Concer Homestead begins almost 200 years ago, when Mr. Concer acquired his Southampton homestead from his grandparents. Mr. Concer was born into slavery, becoming a prominent African American whaler who grew his Southampton homestead over the years.
In 2013, the property at 51 Pond Lane was acquired by a couple who petitioned the Village of Southampton's Board of Architectural Review for a demolition permit. At this time, a large grassroots community effort began to save the Pyrrhus Concer House, forming the Pyrrhus Concer Action Committee. While initially denied, the demolition permit application was ultimately successful. Following demolition of this historically and architecturally significant structure, the private owners walked away from their property, now vacant. Read more...