Legislators want more Rudolph in renovation

By Edie Johnson
GOSHEN — Legislators on the building committee hunkered down with samples of wall tile and floor treatments, trying to ignore the legal threats and the art critics.

At a special session on March 22, committee members debated how much of the so-called "Rudolph block" to preserve at the Orange County Government Center, which is headed toward overhaul. The corduroy concrete facing installed by Paul Rudolph, the world-famous architect who built the center back in the 1960s, is part of his love-it-or-hate-it signature style.

With critics from around the planet blasting the county for the imminent destruction of what they say is a national treasure and world monument, many legislators seem reluctant to strip the building down to its posts and beams.

"I can't see doing a complete demolition of a division, when we came in here agreeing on a renovation," said Democratic caucus leader Chris Eachus (D-New Windsor).

Still, consensus among legislators is growing, making it likely the project will move forward — unless a law suit gets in the way. Attorney Michael Sussman of Chester said he's planning to sue on the basis that the project's $74 million cost is a waste of money that should be applied to other county projects that desperately need attention. A legal challenge may also come from New York City architect Gene Kaufman, who offered to buy the building for $5 million and preserve it as an arts center.

Channeling RudolphIn the meantime, legislators talked like decorators about the merits of metal panels and stone blocks, light colors and dark, marble and maple, Rudolph's original block and a close reproduction that's supposedly stronger and easier to clean.

The embattled architect of the renovation project, Clark, Patterson Lee, said much of the original Rudolph block must be removed before work on the electrical system, and heating and air conditioning connections, can be done.

Eachus shot back angrily: "What do you mean it has to come down, no matter what?"

Some legislators insist Rudolph's original block is in fine shape and only needs to be cleaned.

"The block we have now has held up remarkably," said Legislator Matt Turnbull (D-Blooming Grove), who has long championed saving the façade.

Legislators considered how the reproduction block would look from far away and from up close, to see how closely it matched the original.

Legislative Chair Steve Brescia argued that brick was used to build the courthouse next door. "I don't think it took away from the Rudolph building," he said.

Some Rudolph block is retained in the current plan. But legislators want to see more of it used in the large public spaces and courts. They also prefer Rudolph's favorite interior colors — vibrant blue, purple, and orange.

Floors will be elongated tiles that resemble marble. The walls and ceilings will feature swaths of white maple.

Clark's architects say their plan can be all things to all people.

It's "modern yet timeless," they say, "sensitive to Rudolph yet bright and cheerful."