Southampton Arts Center Transforms Historic Grounds& Unveils the Restored Gardens This Summer
Beloved East End Cultural Center Receives Multi-Million-Dollar Gift from The Paulson Family Foundation
Paulson Family Gardens Rendering
(Southampton, NY – May 5, 2026) – Southampton Arts Center (SAC) has received a $3.4 million-dollar gift from The Paulson Family Foundation to transform the historic property’s grounds, gardens and arboretum. The Paulson Family Gardens will officially be open to the public on Memorial Day Weekend. The project preserves the integrity of SAC’s historic landscape while carefully reimagining the grounds. The donation is further extended with an endowment that will fund the maintenance of the grounds for five years.
John Paulson, President of the Foundation, commented: “The exquisite building that now houses the Southampton Arts Center, together with its adjoining gardens, was originally designed in 1898 by Grosvenor Atterbury, one of America’s foremost architects. This 2.7-acre site sits at the heart of our village and is a crucial part of its heritage. Under the expert guidance of landscape architect Chris LaGuardia, the restored gardens will create an oasis in the center of Southampton for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors alike. This effort will return the grounds to an elegant and beautiful park, worthy of the importance of this historic site. It has been a privilege, on behalf of the Paulson Family Foundation, to support the renewal of this iconic location.”
The renovation plans include a new fountain, which will be built on the East Lawn, alongside expanded greenery, florals, and additional trees, all while protecting the property’s existing historic trees. Thoughtfully designed pathways will enhance accessibility for all visitors, including families with strollers and those using wheelchairs. A landscaped perimeter will create a safer, more welcoming environment for children’s programming and young families, while an open-air performance space will offer a new gathering place for SAC’s outdoor events. SAC will continue to collaborate with world-class curators and galleries to spotlight sculptures throughout the gardens.
“The improvements underway at the Southampton Arts Center, which sits on three acres in the heart of our village, are truly exciting. They are restoring and rehabilitating the beautiful grounds and its historic arboretum while also creating an outdoor performance space where all can gather, experience the arts and enjoy these remarkable grounds,” said Southampton Village Mayor, William Manger Jr. “Beyond the physical improvements, the Arts Center is creating new opportunities for connection, creativity and community.”
Simone Levinson, SAC Chairperson, stated, “This spring marks a transformative moment for Southampton Arts Center as we unveil the reimagining of our three-acre grounds at the heart of our beloved village. This visionary project was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Southampton resident John Paulson and The Paulson Family Foundation, whose gift allowed us to partner with Chris LaGuardia of LaGuardia Design to thoughtfully repurpose these historic grounds. We deeply appreciate Mayor Bill Manger for his leadership, and the Architectural Review Board for their partnership and invaluable guidance in elevating this cherished property. I would also like to acknowledge my fellow board members Siamak Samii, Paul Travis, and Rob Vahradian, as members of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, for their dedication in stewarding this massive renovation through to completion in record time. We are all profoundly grateful to the Paulson Family for this lasting gift to our community, one that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Mark McIntire, Chairman of the Southampton Village Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation, expressed his excitement about the renovation plans, “The work being done at the Southampton Arts Center will celebrate the historic aspects of the grounds while significantly enhancing, updating and improving the visitor experience. The Board is excited to see its completion and proud of its part in helping guide this project to fruition.”
Christina Mossaides Strassfield, Executive Director of SAC, expressed excitement about the newly renovated gardens, which will bring joy to SAC audiences and allow them to expand their outdoor programming for the community for years to come. Strassfield made special mention of Chairperson Simone Levinson’s dedication to the project, noting, “Simone Levinson was instrumental in this complex renovation, engaging community partnerships and overseeing the great team effort to thoughtfully restore and re-envision these historic grounds.”