Renshaw, Alfred, House (Additional Documentation)
Also known as: Component No. 20
Why it's listed
Set on a small knoll overlooking the Hudson River Valley, this brick mansion at 33 Fiddlers Lane in Newtonville was built in 1926-1927 for Alfred H. Renshaw, treasurer and general manager of the Trojan Car Coupler Company in Green Island. Albany architect Norman R. Sturgis designed it in the Tudor Revival style, with Flemish bond brickwork, three differently designed chimneys, a multigabled slate roof, and a Tudor-arched stone entrance. Inside, dark carved woodwork, a curved staircase and a fully paneled library with a stone Tudor-arched fireplace continue the theme. Behind the house, formal gardens with sculpted shrubs, stone walls and a brick and stone gazebo were laid out by New York City landscape architect Louise Payson. The property is valued as one of the best architect-designed suburban estates built just outside Albany in the early twentieth century and for the survival of its original 8.1 acres, outbuildings and interiors.
Significance in brief: It is presented as a distinguished early twentieth century suburban estate in the Colonie multiple resource area and one of the few documented works of Albany architect Norman R. Sturgis. The formal gardens are a fine example of work by New York City landscape architect Louise Payson. The estate also retains an outstanding level of interior and exterior integrity.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85002746, listed October 3, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 33 Fiddlers Ln., Colonie |
|---|---|
| County | Albany County |
| Listed | October 3, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85002746 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Norman Sturgis (architect); Louise Payson (landscape architect); Rosch Brothers, Wilkins Avenue, Albany, New York (builder) |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition and still used as a residence; interior renovations were made in 1957. The original 8.1-acre property survives intact. |
| Acreage | 8.1 |
| Coordinates | 42.72409, -73.75022 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85002746.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4722773
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.