The existing landscape has little changed from its 1914, and later 1941 expansion design as seen from aerial photos from the years 1940, 1951, 1963 (Photo No. 1), 1975 and 1980.  In the Marconi station area, the north portion of the historic district, both sides of Marconi Road are lined with mature sycamore trees planted in 1914.  Nearly all the original plantings seen in historic 1914 Marconi Company photos, reproduced in the NRHP nomination, remain (Photo Nos. 2 - 4 and 148 - 150).  As example, the 1914 original shrubs remain (Photo No. 2) around the Marconi Hotel (9001).  Each building is set back from the road by ten feet or more with grass lawns.  As the Army added new buildings they were added in parallel behind the Marconi Hotel.  The U. S. Army later paved the original gravel driveways.  During the sewer removal action, some cuts have been made in service roadway (Photo No. 3).  The sewer removal activity also cut two paths across the Gate 1 parking lot (Photo No. 4).  The asphalt has not been replaced.
   The Marconi Station wireless operations area at the base of the bluff, adjacent to the Shark River, has naturalized.  Although no landscaping was done in this area in 1914 the site was cleared of trees and had a clear view of the Shark River basin (Photo No. 159).  Over time the river view was lost making the site seam isolated.

Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 148, 149, 150 and 159.

Proposed Work

Maintain the current landscape as close to original layout as possible.  As appropriate to enable all visitors to enjoy the historic site make curb cuts and create access ramps.  During Phase I, repair damage to roads and parking lot.  Clean and improve flower beds around Marconi station buildings.  Cutback plant growth around buildings, clear growth around fences and cut back parking lot hedges to 4 feet.   At the wireless operations area near the river, clear reeds to allow river view.  This will make area more open, appealing and visible to discourage vandalism.  During Phase III repave service roads and parking lot.

Photo 1.
Photo 2.
Photo 3.
Photo 4.
Photo 148
Photo 149
Photo 150
Photo 159

Updated January 27, 2004    Page created July 4, 2002