A recent government meeting highlighted the historical significance of a 1905 residence on Comstock Avenue, advocating for its protected status due to its architectural and cultural importance. The building, designed in the colonial revival style by prominent Syracuse University-affiliated architects Gaggen and Gaggen, was home to Charles Estabrook, a notable lawyer, and his wife, Laura Currie Estabrook, who were influential figures in Syracuse's social and cultural landscape.
The house exemplifies the high standards of domestic architecture of its time and reflects a pivotal period in Syracuse's urban development. Despite its current neglected state, the structure is recognized for its unique architectural details, including distinctive dormers and craftsmanship that set it apart from other buildings of the era.
The discussion also noted that this block was excluded from the proposed University Westcott historic district, not due to a lack of historical significance, but because its development trajectory differed from nearby areas that were more influenced by streetcar culture. The meeting underscored the house's role in the broader context of Syracuse's architectural evolution, marking it as one of the few remaining examples of pure colonial revival style from before World War I.
The Estabrook residence is positioned as a key piece of Syracuse's architectural heritage, representing both the city's upscale development and the artistic movements of the early 20th century. The meeting concluded with a call for further recognition and preservation efforts for this historically rich property.