Historic Lambert Castle Nears Reopening After $13.5M Restoration Effort
Construction crews are giving Lambert Castle a $13.5 million makeover, hoping to partially reopen in 2025. The project includes critical updates like replacing the roof, fixing stained glass, and making the building more accessible for disabled visitors. The renovation project is backed by $8.5 million in grants. Officials are trying to get another $500,000 through the Green Acres program to improve the grounds.
“The castle stands as a cornerstone of Passaic County’s cultural identity,” said Commissioner John Bartlett to NJ.com.
The impressive building, built by silk magnate Catholina Lambert in 1892, sits atop Garret Mountain in New Jersey. The tale begins with Lambert’s success at the Dexter Mill in Paterson. Lambert, who came from England as a young immigrant, picked this location to oversee his growing business empire. His dreams expanded with time. He added a tall 70-foot tower and summerhouse in 1896. Later, he built a massive 100-foot gallery filled with artwork from America and Europe. Even President McKinley visited during the castle’s heyday. The last major renovation in 1995 cost $5 million and finished as the new century approached.
It’s recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as a symbol of America’s industrial success. After Lambert died in 1923, the building served as a tuberculosis hospital. The Passaic County Park Commission took ownership five years later. The Passaic County Historical Society will move back in under a new 50-year agreement. They first brought their collection there in 1934, starting a long history of public exhibitions.
Recently, the tower and carriage house made it onto the National Register in 2021. A Trust grant from 2022 is now helping fix the tower and update the dining areas.
Stay tuned, county officials will share updates at the Passaic County Board meeting in Paterson on Jan. 21, 2025.
