The Clarke Caton Hintz preservation team began the kickoff site assessment at The Hermitage on January 15th, launching work on the Historic Site Management Plan funded by the Bergen County Historical Commission and the New Jersey Historic Trust. From left to right: Elaine Gold (BCHC), Lorraine Schnabel (Schnabel Conservation), Robert Schwartz (Board President, Friends of the Hermitage), Matt Craig (Richard Grubb & Associates), Julie Kroon (Clarke Caton Hintz), Marc Lorusso (Kelter & Gilligo), Earl Heim (Clarke Caton Hintz), Christine Blaylock (Friends of the Hermitage), Julie Zier (Friends of the Hermitage).
On-Site Historic Assessment Kicks Off Today, Launching Required First Step Toward Critical Building Repairs
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HO-HO-KUS, NJ (January 15, 2026) – Friends of the Hermitage announced today that it has been awarded a combined $128,000 in historic preservation planning grants from the Bergen County Historical Commission Open Space Trust Fund and the New Jersey Historic Trust to complete a comprehensive Historic Site Management (HSM) Plan for The Hermitage, one of Bergen County’s most significant historic landmarks.
The announcement coincides with the official kickoff of on-site assessment work today, January 15, as the selected consulting team from Clarke Caton Hintz (CCH) arrived at The Hermitage to begin the initial survey and evaluation phase required for development of the plan.
The kickoff site visit marks the first step in a detailed, multidisciplinary assessment process that will evaluate existing building conditions, historic fabric, and site features. The consulting team includes experts in historic preservation architecture, archaeology, and masonry analysis and structural conservation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the property and its preservation needs.
“The Historic Site Management Plan is a critical first step in the preservation process,” said Julie Zier, Director of Development for Friends of the Hermitage. “Completion of the HSM Plan is required before major capital work—such as roof replacement and side porch restoration—can move forward. This planning effort allows us to responsibly address much-needed repairs while ensuring all work meets historic preservation standards.”
Clarke Caton Hintz was selected due to its exceptional qualifications and deep expertise in historic preservation planning and architecture, as well as its extensive experience working on projects funded by the New Jersey Historic Trust. The firm is highly familiar with New Jersey Historic Trust requirements and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring that the final HSM Plan will fully meet all grant and regulatory expectations.
Once completed, the Historic Site Management Plan will serve as the foundational planning document guiding the long-term preservation, restoration, and phased capital improvements at The Hermitage. The plan will establish a clear, strategic roadmap for future investment, prioritizing repairs and improvements necessary to protect and sustain the historic site for generations to come.
Friends of the Hermitage extends its sincere appreciation to the Bergen County Historical Commission and the New Jersey Historic Trust for their continued commitment to preserving New Jersey’s historic resources and enabling this essential planning initiative.
Friends of the Hermitage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and stewardship of The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. Through advocacy, fundraising, and educational programming, the organization works to ensure the long-term sustainability of this nationally significant historic site.
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