Top 5 Takeaways of "The Landscape of The Breakers" Discussion with Preservationist Experts

Did you miss our event? You can still hear from the experts!

We're thrilled to be able to share the full event video from “The Landscape of The Breakers: Significance and Opportunities For Newport’s Most Important Gilded Age Landmark” on April 7th! 

Short on time? Here are our Top 5 Take Aways from the event:

1. The Breakers property was a unique collaboration by the Vanderbilts, Richard Morris Hunt and Ernest & James Bowditch in the 1890's. Its design drew on classical elements from Italianate architecture and European landscapes while integrating modern engineering. The Breakers grounds should be saved!

2. The historic documentation for the Serpentine Garden Walk in the Northwest quadrant of The Breakers is good. There is opportunity for recapturing the landscape!

3. The proposed location of the Visitor Center, and the services needed to support it like dumpsters and access for supply trucks, would harm the authenticity of The Breakers property. Locating the Visitor Center across the street would save the property and allow for easier restocking and support.

4. The preliminary estimate of the work necessary to restore the northwest Serpentine Walk of The Breakers is estimated to cost less than the $400,000 envisioned by Ronald Lee Fleming's challenge grant. Mr. Fleming’s generous offer gives us a great starting point in covering more than half of the estimated cost of restoration.

5. The grounds of The Breakers have the potential to enchant guests for decades to come.By preserving the property as was intended by the Vanderbilt's and founders of the Preservation Society, visitors and the community could truly experience the property and sustain it for the future. Rather, the Society is destroying The Breakers landscape and ambiance to the detriment of its visitors.

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