Join Newark & Suburban, in partnership with Preservation New Jersey, for an exclusive tour of the recently restored Lambert Castle, a Gilded Age landmark in the City of Paterson.

Led by Michael Hanrahan, FAIA, Principal of Clarke Caton Hintz, and James Giresi, AIA, Senior Associate, the tour will examine the meticulous restoration work that has revitalized this historic structure. Hanrahan and Giresi will discuss the challenges and considerations of preserving the castle’s architectural integrity while adapting it for contemporary use. Participants will tour both the exterior and interior, gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective on the craftsmanship, materials, and design decisions that shaped the restoration.

Tour Course Description (1.5 HSW Submitted)

Lambert Castle, built in 1892 for silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert, is a rare example of fully developed castellated residential architecture and is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. Now serving as a museum, library, and meeting space for the Passaic County Historical Society, the Castle is undergoing a multi-phase restoration led by Clarke Caton Hintz to address safety, accessibility, and long-term building performance. This guided tour will examine the restoration work from a health, safety, and welfare perspective. Attendees will review how exterior envelope repairs—including masonry stabilization, mortar repointing, and replacement of deteriorated wood windows—are preventing water intrusion, improving energy efficiency, and protecting interior collections. The tour will also highlight interior restoration strategies that pair historically accurate finishes with modern mechanical upgrades to enhance indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and climate control for sensitive artifacts. Participants will see examples of ADA integration within a historic context, the use of emerging technologies and alternative preservation practices to increase building resilience, and innovative funding approaches that support the continued safe use of historic public structures. The discussion will link each design decision to occupant health, public safety, environmental performance, and preservation of cultural heritage.

About the Speakers

Michael Hanrahan, FAIA, was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in 2025. He specializes in numerous project types, including historic preservation and the adaptive reuse of historic structures, institutional work, and sports facilities. As a member of Clarke Caton Hintz since 1996, he has been on the design teams for several historically and architecturally significant buildings. These include the restoration of Morven, the former governor’s mansion in Princeton; the renovation of 200 Elm Drive, the former boilerhouse for Princeton University, for re-use as University office space; and the restoration of the Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse and Jail. Most recently, Michael has led the ongoing phased restoration of the Hoboken Public Library, numerous historic preservation projects for the County of Passaic, including Lambert Castle, and the rehabilitation of Hinchliffe Stadium, a National Historic Landmark.

James Giresi, AIA is a Senior Associate at Clarke Caton Hintz in Trenton, NJ. His passion for the built environment and the design process is reflected in his versatile experience, which spans from small-scale building repairs to complex historic restorations and large urban planning projects. James brings technical precision, a focus on efficiency, and expertise in BIM to every project. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in preserving historic landmarks, balancing the preservation of a building’s original character with its adaptation to modern needs. His philosophy emphasizes that historic structures should evolve to serve the past, present, and future.

One of James’ most notable recent projects was the restoration of Belle Vista (Lambert Castle) in Paterson, a Gilded Age mansion that had fallen into disrepair. Through meticulous research and careful attention to detail, James and his team restored the mansion to its former grandeur, receiving acclaim for their work on restoring period-specific elements such as ornate moldings, stained glass, and plasterwork.

In addition to his architectural work, James is a Board Member of Preservation New Jersey and an advocate for preservation across the state. He is also an experienced grant writer, helping clients secure funding and raise awareness for endangered historical sites.