The Historic Pease Building
2010 Bergen County Historic Preservation Commendation Awards
May 6, 2010
2009 Rehabilitation of the
Historic Pease Building,
Rigewood NJ
For an Adaptive Use Project
This category of preservation is for the successful rehabilitation of a building for a changed use while maintaining the original architectural integrity.
The historic Pease Building has a rich history. In 1917, Ridgewood resident Gertrude Pease Anderson saw a community need for a public library and by her last will and testament established a fund to purchase a site and build a library which was to be named George L. Pease Memorial Library as a tribute to her late father, George L. Pease. The building served as Ridgewood’s only public library from 1923 through 1963 until finally the building could not accommodate Ridgewood’s growing need for a library with more services. In 1963 a much larger “main Library,” known today as the Ridgewood Public Library was constructed on North maple Avenue.
Until 1995 the George L. Pease Memorial Library continued to operate as a branch of the Main Library. Funds derived from the lease or sale of the Pease Building was to be dedicated to the Main Library.
The lower level of the Pease Building was leased but the upper levels were in need of rehabilitation if they were to be able to serve the public. In stepped long time generous resident, David F. Bolger, with an offer to completely renovate the Pease Building with funds from the Bolger Foundation.
The magnificent rehabilitation work began in the fall of 2008 and transformed the two upper levels into prime professional office space. the main level and balconies were attractively divided into three office suites. A new illuminated tenant’s parking lot was created within the sloping front lawn. The building is up to code with new electrical and HVAC systems as well as being handicap accessible. In addition the Pease grounds were re-landscaped into lovely garden beds and stone terraces. The public is now welcome to visit and enjoy the restored lovely Pease lobby, which features fine examples of the original beautiful woodwork, an ornamental skylight and the Anderson murals.
