Innovative approaches to preservation drive ICAA event
Author: William Richards, Ph.D.
What happens when bold design meets deep respect for the past? On June 10 , visionaries Ann Beha, Stephen Byrns, and Calder Loth came together at the Grolier Club to explore “Innovative Approaches to Historic Preservation.”
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA) hosted “Innovative Approaches to Historic Preservation,” a compelling panel discussion at New York’s historic Grolier Club. Thanks to a generous grant from the Jenrette Foundation, it is part of the ICAA’s Richard H. Jenrette Preservation Series to champion important conversations and thoughtful stewardship of America’s treasured built environment.
The evening commenced with a 5:00 PM reception, followed by a 6:15 PM panel featuring three distinguished figures in architectural preservation: Ann Beha, the visionary architect who has helped the Grolier Club modernize its historic spaces; Stephen F. Byrns, the driving force behind the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy; and Calder Loth, retired Senior Architectural Historian at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
Moderated by Benjamin Prosky, President of the Jenrette Foundation, the discussion wove together diverse case studies, including the Grolier Club’s own exhibition hall transformation (thanks to Beha), the adaptive “dynamic preservation” of Virginia’s Menokin House, and the revival of Yonkers’ Untermyer Gardens.
“Our conversations on stage are happening all over the country about the push and pull of innovation,” says Prosky,” which preservationists have embraced. That extends—and lends momentum to—the stewardship of historic landscapes and the decorative arts, too. It’s about technology, but it’s also about embracing the fullness of context that allows us to reveal the stories that bring preservation to life.”
The event explored profound questions facing modern preservation: How do we honor historical authenticity while meeting contemporary needs? What degree of adaptation is appropriate? How can new design elements and sustainable practices be harmoniously integrated? The dialogue resonated deeply with practitioners, students, and community advocates navigating these critical tensions in their own projects.”
Ann Beha offered her seasoned perspective, spotlighting the Grolier Club exhibition hall’s renovation as a model contextual modernization that retains historical integrity while enhancing usability. It’s also, inarguably, a handsome space. Calder Loth reflected on his decades of experience conserving Virginia’s architectural legacy, emphasizing how nuanced understanding of material history guides effective preservation planning.
“Menokin can function as a kind of lyceum that extols virtue and inspires young people—this is now more important than ever,” said Loth, “and just as it nourished Francis Lightfoot Lee, it can nourish us.”
“Stephen Byrns brought the story of Untermyer Gardens—and the community effort to restore its fountains and terraces—to illustrate how landscape preservation engages both public and private stakeholders.
“Untermeyer once had 60 full time gardeners and we’ve worked up to 11 now—and we operate out of a one room office,” said Byrns, “and it’s a great symbiosis between architecture, horticulture, and history that has resonance today.”
The June 10 event brought together architects, historians, developers, and conservationists in a vibrant exchange—one made possible through the Jenrette Foundation.
“I am so grateful for our panelists,” said Prosky in his moderator’s remarks, “because they’ve brought projects like Untermyer Gardens, Menokin, and this Grolier Club exhibition hall to life.”
As one of the signature gatherings in the Preservation Series, the panel underscored how informed dialogue propels the field forward, fostering design that is both respectful of history and responsive to future challenges.