STATE GRANT BRINGS EXCAVATION CLOSER (02/2000) Thanks to a grant announced by Governor George E. Pataki important archaeological work at the Martin House site will soon advance restoration of three missing historic elements. As a result of this State of New York funding, the MHRC can begin exploratory excavation at the north-end foundation of the former pergola where it joined the conservatory, as well as excavation of the carriage house and conservatory foundation. This work will begin once the non-historic apartment buildings on the site are demolished. Restoration of the pergola, conservatory and carriage house to Wright’s original design will bring back to life three Martin House buildings that help to define the site as a “Complex”. Excavation is a vital step in providing our restoration architects, Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects PC, with historic evidence of the as-built conditions of these structures. Upon completion of restoration, the Martin House Complex will have the distinction of becoming the first architectural work of the 20th century to be included in New York State’s portfolio of State Historic Sites.