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Condition

When World War II broke out, Carleton Villa was beginning to be dismantled by the owner at the time, the General Electric Corporation. Windows, doors, interior woodwork, fixtures, even some portions of floors, were removed by others with consent of the owner. Subsequently, the building was unoccupied and inadequately maintained. In time, roof leaks began to deteriorate interior floors. This damage is the major defect of the building today. Architect Paul Malo observes that, although appearing alarming, these defects are merely local. Bearing walls appear unaffected. The floor problems do not represent overall structural disintegration. The rear service wing, however, requires more major reconstruction. The tower would require total reconstruction.
Architectural Historian Paul Malo points out fine carved detail of west facade.

Masonry of Gouverneur White Marble remains in virtually pristine condition. The carved ornament is of a quality surpassing the exterior
detail of any Thousand Islands house. Professor Malo observes that the exterior detail of famous Boldt Castle is, in fact, cast terra cotta. Labor-intensive craftsmanship of this sort is rarely employed in construction today.

Architect Paul Malo observes that most deterioration to the building resulted from leakage of roofs. This caused many interior floors to fail. Although appearing alarming, these defects are merely local. They do not represent overall structural disintegration, Replacement of these floors is a relatively minor carpentry job which could be
completed in short order. Otherwise, the structure as a whole, excepting the service wing, is far more sound than it may appear to viewers. Most defects are merely cosmetic, readily repaired. The villa was built on bedrock, employing very substantial construction. The exterior and interior bearing walls are mostly plumb and interior
floors are level, except where the supporting beams have deflected. Even much of the original roof structure may be reused, despite damage to some portions due to exposure. In short, the basic building could be stabilized and secured quite expeditiously.

The rear service wing, however, presents a larger restoration challenge. Some portions may be salvaged, such as the rear wall, where original cedar shingles show virtually no deterioration after more than a century. Photographs would allow reconstruction of the original architecture, including the remarkable campanile tower. Probably the largest component of a renovation project would not be structural, but rather would be fabrication of the missing windows, doors, and interior woodwork.

Paul Malo, Fulton, NY

 

Presenting a 2001 "Excellence in Historic Preservation" award, the Preservation League of New York State said:

"For over 40 years, Paul Malo has been at the forefront of preservation advocacy in New York – as architect, author, teacher, scholar, and consultant. A faculty member of Syracuse University’s School of Architecture for over 30 years, Paul also maintained an architectural practice that brought him into contact with many historic properties. Paul also authored numerous publications featuring New York’s architectural heritage, from the Adirondack Great Camps to the Thousand Islands region. A former president and trustee of the Preservation League of New York State, Paul’s work continues to protect and promote our historic resources."

Professor Malo also received the prestigeous Pillar of New York award, "Honoring twenty-five years of leadership." He has similarly been recognized by communities around New York State, such as Rochester, Syracuse, and Thousand Island Park, where he has been a preservation advisor for many years.

As an architect, Malo is known for many works in Central New York, most notably the Onondaga County Civic Center.
The central Living Hall show effect on floors of water coming through deteriorated roofs.

he Drawing Ropom also evidences floor damage from leaking roofs. All windows require new sash. The large openings originally filled with plate glass were remarkably "modern" in style for the time.
Architect Paul Malo at the Villa displaying cover photo for his book "Fools Paradise" www.1000IslandsBooks.com