Nestled in the shadows of The Sherwood Inn is an architectural gem that seems to whisper stories of another time. The modest placement of the city of Syracuse water supply building among the more prominent structures of Skaneateles belies its unique charm, a charm that seems frozen in the past yet somehow enduringly relevant. I especially love this building, not only because of its beauty but because it holds a place in my family's history. My great grandfather Merton Gillett worked for the water department and my great grandmother Dora Herling Gillett served as the Skaneateles town clerk. For years, they had the privilege of calling the upstairs apartment home. I like to think that just like the structure, my great grandparents were modest yet elegant. 

The building itself is a study in scale and proportion, its design balanced to perfection. The building feels both solid and graceful, with textures that interplay beautifully. I imagine the materials used were sourced locally, their textures chosen to create subtle contrast and depth, lending a tactile aesthetic that doesn't need embellishment to catch the eye. It's a simplicity that adds to the charm, a philosophy of design rooted in purpose and place rather than pretense. The city of Syracuse water supply building is more than a magnificent piece of architecture; it's a bridge to my heritage and a reminder of a life that was simple, intentional and beautifully connected to the community it served.