Politi Architecture Proposes New Life for Church on National Register of Historic Places

The First United Methodist Church in Gloversville, New York was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 for good reason. It was designed by prominent New York State architect Horatio Nelson White in the Romanesque Revival style and was built from 1869 to 1870. The red brick structure set on a stone foundation boasts an impressive bell tower and has been a landmark of its Mohawk Valley Region town in Upstate New York.

But sadly, the church has been abandoned for several years. Politi Architecture plans to breathe new life into this incredible building. Its new owners recently hired the firm to conduct a Phase One Study to understand the adaptive reuse potential for the church, while still preserving its historic value. What the team hopes to achieve is a reused space where the community can gather surrounded by its history.

“I am passionate about this project because this is the area where I grew up,” said Thomas M. Politi, who was raised in nearby Amsterdam, New York. “And also because I love taking the beautiful bones of a building and designing a modern usage for it – so it can truly become a centerpiece of the community. I envision this church as a gathering place that also pays homage to the area’s history as the glovemaking capital of our country from 1890 to 1950.” 

A two-story brick addition was constructed on the north and east sides of the original church structure in 1909. This area was built to accommodate the need for a Sunday school and parish hall with a semi-circular chapel or auditorium plus school classrooms. 

Design goals – To embrace the historical value as well as the urban impact of First United Methodist Church.  Given the overall size, massing, and location of this church within the city one of the main goals will be to transform the interior spaces into three major zones: a premier restaurant, speakeasy, major assembly space for the community, and loft spaces for local artists.   

About Politi Architecture

Politi Architecture is a boutique architectural firm headquartered in the Chelsea Neighborhood of Manhattan. The firm prides itself by providing tailored design services to its clients – no matter how big or small the project. Its innovative approach redefines architecture as a symbiotic relationship between landscape, engineering, and the built environment. Politi + Siano’s work spans between the following market sectors: residential, hospitality, educational and urban design. The firm is a Certified NY State Minority Enterprise (MBE) and is licensed to practice architecture in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. It operates offices in New York City and Saratoga Springs, NY.