New Amsterdam Architectural History

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Due to its colonial history, the majority of the architecture found in New Amsterdam is that of British colonies with a vernacular specific to the climate and location. Residential houses are of wooden construction with steep roofs which are elevated about 10 feet off the ground by concrete posts. The windows of these houses were originally casement windows that swung outwards some of which were converted to operable horizontal glass louvers. The louvers allowed for air and indirect sunlight to enter the space while providing protection from the elements.

Public buildings like the town hall and Mission Chapple are all of wooden construction from the ground up which feature arched and regular casement windows along with wooden louvers. These buildings do not cater to the floods New Amsterdam experiences which usually leaves their ground floors to be flooded during rainy seasons and high tides. 



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