Planting Fields is a triumph of Gilded Age design and a manifestation of a time that shaped the American experience. This early twentieth-century period saw rapid economic growth and immense fortunes never before achieved in the United States. European-inspired estates were the extravagant desire for the titans of industry. The built and natural elements that make up the 409-acres estate Planting Fields are examples of the artistry and craftsmanship required to create one of the most renowned estates of Long Island’s Gold Coast. The scale and character of the design and construction of Coe Hall and the surrounding landscape are rarely seen today. Every element of the gardens, lawns, and vistas were carefully and intentionally created to complement the grand country home. The visible and tangible components of Planting Fields are accompanied by rich histories that make these details significant. The work of the Olmsted Brothers, pioneers of American landscape architecture, and Coe Hall’s Tudor Revival style by Walker & Gillette, together completed the plan for Plantings Fields. Preservation and restoration of the Coes’ original vision of the site has been central to Planting Fields Foundation’s mission.
The integrity of the West Portico of Coe Hall was in jeopardy due to years of accumulated water damage. This slow deterioration was ultimately the result of construction and maintenance flaws. Acquiring the necessary funding and selecting the right partners with expertise in historic preservation became an urgent priority for Planting Fields. Upon completion, the restoration project will return architectural integrity, as well as safety and stability, to a space where visitors can experience the harmony between the estate’s structure and its sweeping lawns, just as the Coes did. Now that the work is nearly complete, visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in one of Planting Fields’ most inspiring sanctuaries. Historic preservation does not just seek to protect physical materials. The stories richly and deeply embedded in these elements help inform our collective future. Preservation is vital to ensuring that historic places such as Planting Fields remain available and relevant for visitors to enjoy, learn, and reflect on the past, present and future. The West Portico restoration is just one of many reminders of the value and priority of preservation here at Planting Fields.
We look forward to removing the barriers that have surrounded the West Portico for nearly two years and reopening it to the public to enjoy its many vistas just as the weeping cherries are beginning to bloom.
James McPartland