A historic property in the center of Southampton Village has unveiled a massive physical evolution. Following a streamlined, nine-month fast-track design and approval process, the Southampton Arts Center (SAC) has officially updated its landmark 2.7-acre campus. Financed by a generous $3.4 million charitable contribution from the Paulson Family Foundation—which includes a dedicated five-year maintenance endowment—the updated space balances 19th-century architectural preservation with modern public utility.
The comprehensive landscape redesign was executed by regional landscape architect Chris LaGuardia. The project breathes new life into the estate’s original 1898 layout, which was originally drafted by iconic American architect Grosvenor Atterbury. Renamed the Paulson Family Gardens, the downtown green space serves as a central park for residents and vacationers, prioritizing easy movement and inclusive design. Newly graded, smooth-paved pathways crisscross the arboretum, offering full accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs.
Visually, the transformation introduces an elegant center fountain on the property’s East Lawn, framed by a dense selection of newly planted trees, curated seasonal florals, and expanded perimeter privacy greenery. To ensure the campus remains a secure, welcoming destination for youth summer camps and family art workshops, the boundary lines were entirely re-landscaped. Furthermore, a dedicated open-air performance area provides a flexible venue for live theater, panel discussions, and community events, while the lawn continues to serve as an open-air museum for rotating, large-scale modern sculptures curated from premier global galleries.
By blending the site’s rich horticultural heritage with interactive public spaces, the upgrade ensures the center remains a vibrant cultural anchor for the South Fork. The lush grounds are fully completed and open to the public daily for strolling, picnicking, and artistic exploration.
Dan’s Papers:
https://www.danspapers.com/2026/05/southampton-arts-center-gardens-grant/
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