The PMIA SAVE THE EAGLE PROJECT

about the project

The Grand Central Eagle at Philipse Manor has held its current place by the river since circa 1910 (see full history below). In 2018, the Philipse Manor Improvement Association formed a committee to help restore the eagle, which had not been professionally restored during its century-long placement along the river. The committee raised well over its $60,000 goal, the majority of which went toward professional conservation and restoration of the eagle, as well as landscaping at the site. Leftover funds will be set aside for future maintenance. Part of the restoration process involved establishment of a plan for future maintenance, so that the piece does not fall into disrepair in the future. By treating the eagle properly at this stage, we can ensure that it will continue to thrive for another century to come.

The Philipse Manor Improvement Association would like to express our deepest gratitude to our neighbors, without whom this project would not have been possible. A dedication event is currently postponed until a later date, when the community is able to gather safely. Stay tuned for more information.

The eagle has been restored to the appearance matching the other original eagles that have returned home to roost at Grand Central Station (see above). Excelsior Art Services LLC restored the eagle, by stripping off a century’s worth of old paint, passivating corrosion on the surface, and applying a protective zinc-rich primer, followed by a two-part epoxy paint system. Treatment began August 10th, 2019 and finished in September. Dedicatory plaques are now installed. Please visit the Eagle to see our completed project and read the plaques introducing the history of the eagle, as well as highlights of key contributions to the restoration project. 

history of the eagle

The Grand Central Eagle at Philipse Manor train station represents an important piece of history in our own backyard, and in 2018 it was in dire need of restoration.  Part of the Grand Central Station renovation of 1898, the eagle is one of 11 that graced the historic building’s monumental clock towers for 12 years at 42nd Street and Park Avenue (see below).

In 1910, as the station began renovations to become the Grand Central Terminal building we are all familiar with today, the huge cast iron eagles were removed and dispersed throughout the region. One of these eagles was obtained by the Philipse Manor Company, landing at our station by 1911. Its impressive 14 foot wingspan continues to grace the train station in Sleepy Hollow and enhance commuters’ rides today. The few remaining eagles represent a bygone era and offer a connection to the grand history of the New York Metropolitan Area.  

prior state

This piece of history was in bad decay and in need of restoration (see images below if it was going to survive for future generations. Despite its exposure to the harsh elements, the eagle had never received professional treatment since its arrival at the Philipse Manor station over a century ago. A conservation assessment determined that there was extensive corrosion, including potential structural damage as well. A committee of local residents from Sleepy Hollow came together to address these issues and save the eagle.  After soliciting multiple bids from qualified restoration providers, they elected to work with Excelsior Art Services, whose principal conservator has nearly two decades of experience as Monuments Chief at Central Park Conservancy. Based on his estimate, our fundraising goal to cover the cost of the project was $60,000.  We exceeded that goal—with contributions totaling over $75,000!