Preservation League of NY recognizes Dana Lyon as endangered species
‘In every sense of the word, the Dana Lyon school is a landmark.’ — Tania Werbizky Preservation League
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH — The former Dana Lyon elementary school building Monday was recognized by the Preservation League of New York State as one of the state’s “most threatened historic resources” on the eve of a pivotal municipal review of a development company’s proposal to demolish the building (See related story on this page).

The League’s action carries no legal force in efforts to save the building, as well as preserve the residential classification of the northeast sector of the Liberty-Washington Street intersection. Those issues are at the forefront as the building’s owner, Liberty-East Washington LLC, has petitioned the village both to rezone the property for commercial use and to demolish the main 1923 portion of the brick and glass Dana Lyon complex.

An older portion of the building, built in 1900 and known as the Primary Annex, has been claimed by heirs of the late Ira Davenport, who originally owned the land, and their local preservation partner, The Save the Lyon Commission.

Supporters of efforts to preserve the Lyon gathered in front of the Primary Annex Monday, as a representative of the League declared the Lyon has been added to the organization’s “Seven to Save” list of endangered state properties.

“In every sense of the word, the Dana Lyon school is a landmark,” declared Tania Werbizky, director of technical and grant programs for the Preservation League. She described the building as “handsome” and “an excellent example of neoclassical academic design.”

Following the meeting, Liberty-East Washington co-partner Peter Krog said his company originally had hoped to convert the Dana Lyon building into residential units. A feasibility study of the local economy — conducted after the sale of the property — indicated the local real estate market would not support the cost of renovating the building.

“It doesn’t work here,” Krog said, adding he would “rather take a loss and walk away” if the village board rejected his application to rezone the land.

Local historical preservationists organized as The Save the Lyon Commission have argued the main 1923 building could be converted into space for community activities and residences. The group has laid claim to an earlier portion of the building, known as the Primary Annex, and described plans to renovate that structure for community use.