Historic Structure Report
Exterior Restoration

The Staats House is important as a fine example of architecture and for its role in the American Revolution as the headquarters of General von Steuben during the second Middlebrook Encampment (1779). It is one of the finest surviving buildings from the Dutch Settlement of the Raritan Valley in the 18th century. Over the centuries the house grew and also includes a fine late Federal/Greek Revival two story addition.

The Borough of South Bound Brook acquired the Staats House in 1999 and gave the previous owner life tenancy. With foresight and through thoughtful negotiation, the Borough has insured that this important site will remain in the public domain.

HBA was retained to prepare a Historic Structure Report. In addition, a National Register nomination was proposed as part of the project. Access to the resource, its importance and the wealth of information already at hand have determined that the Staats House will be the recipient of substantial new attention focused on Revolutionary War sites in New Jersey. It is expected that the house will play an important role in the newly forming Crossroads of the Revolution National Heritage Area, an initiative of the National Park Service.

In 2005, an exterior restoration project was completed. Work included replacement of the asphalt shingle roof with wood shingles, exterior trim repairs, painting, selected structural reinforcement, door and window restoration as well as repointing of the fieldstone foundations. This project was funded by a grant from the Somerset County Historic Preservation Grant Program.

www.staatshouse.com