Senate Resolution No. 1580
BY: Senator MAYER
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of White
Plains City Hall, and honoring its historical,
architectural, and civic significance
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor historic milestones that reflect the heritage, civic pride, and
enduring values of the communities of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, White Plains City Hall, also known as the Municipal
Building, located at 255 Main Street at E. J. Conroy Drive in the City
of White Plains, County of Westchester, marks its 100th Anniversary,
having been completed and dedicated in 1926; and
WHEREAS, White Plains City Hall is a distinguished example of
Colonial Revival architecture and was designed by Joseph H. Freelander,
President of the Fine Arts Federation of New York, and constructed by
John O'Rourke and Son; and
WHEREAS, In 1919, a citizen committee in the newly incorporated City
of White Plains recommended the construction of a City Hall to serve as
a memorial to the servicemen of White Plains who sacrificed their lives
during the First World War (1917-1918); and
WHEREAS, In 1923, the Common Council of the City of White Plains
approved a referendum authorizing the allocation of $500,000 for the
construction of the Municipal Building, reflecting the strong public
commitment to both civic governance and remembrance; and
WHEREAS, Upon its dedication on February 22, 1926, approximately
3,000 people gathered within the upper and lower levels of the building
to participate in the opening ceremonies, an event that underscored the
importance of the structure to the community; and
WHEREAS, While the brick and sandstone facade of White Plains City
Hall is the subject of its landmark designation, the building's interior
holds equal historic and commemorative value, including the Rotunda
lobby containing bronze memorials honoring White Plains residents who
fought and died in all of the Nation's wars since the American
Revolution; and
WHEREAS, The second-floor lobby outside the Common Council Chamber
contains brass portraits memorializing all White Plains residents who
lost their lives during the First World War, further affirming the
building's role as a place of remembrance and reflection; and
WHEREAS, Since its completion, White Plains City Hall has
continuously served as the center of municipal government for the City
of White Plains, symbolizing democratic governance, civic engagement,
and public service; and
WHEREAS, In 1933, during the City's celebration of the 250th
Anniversary of the first non-native settlement of White Plains, more
than 5,000 marchers participated in a parade culminating at City Hall,
where President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the community from its
steps, marking a moment of national and local historical significance;
and
WHEREAS, The centennial of White Plains City Hall provides an
appropriate occasion to honor its architectural distinction, its role as
a memorial to fallen servicemembers, and its enduring service to the
residents of White Plains and the State of New York; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of White Plains City Hall and to
recognize its profound historical, architectural, and civic importance;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the City Hall of White Plains, New York.
