The Geneva Historical Society Tour of Homes

House #5, Centennial Center for Leadership, 603 South Main Street, Geneva

No word other than leadership can capture what has happened to this Federal style building erected on this site in 1827 by attorney Robert Stoddard for his home and legal practice. Sadly, the structure degenerated over time until a William Smith alumna presented a leadership gift of $1,000,000 in honor of the Centennial of William Smith College in 2008. The funds provided a dedicated home for the newly established and endowed Centennial Center for Leadership.

Hobart and William Smith purchased the property, made the extensive renovations, and added The Seneca Room, a classroom/conference center whose entire east wall - overlooking the lake - is glass . Currently, 40 undergraduates are enrolled in the Center’s certificate program, examining the concepts of effective leadership; they will have opportunities to interact with experienced and successful women leaders, and be offered many leadership-building opportunities.

While keeping the integrity of the building’s historic exterior look, the architect provided modern work space within. Yet, the building’s historic “roots” are respected throughout, including exposed load-bearing brick walls.

Enjoy these fine details as well as amazing “before and after” pictures of the house. Note, too, the framed article from the Geneva Daily Times of December 7, 1906 announcing local nurseryman and philanthropist William Smith’s gift which established the college that bears his name. Then walk over to The Seneca Room and enjoy the breathtaking vista of Seneca Lake. All are grateful to alumna Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish ’82 for her generous gift. Leadership abounds!