Arrests Made In Devastating Wildcliff Fire

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Arrests have been made in the devastating fire Nov. 26 at the former Wildcliff arts center in New Rochelle. Police said an investigation found that the fire was suspicious in nature.

It was ultimately determined that the fire was the result of arson.

Four 13-year-old middle school students were arrested and charged as juvenile delinquents.

All four of the young people were charged with third-degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor.

One was charged additionally with fourth-degree arson, a felony.

Based on the age of the defendants, police said no further information will be provided.

The fire broke out around 4:20 p.m. Nov. 26 at the home located at 44 Wildcliff Rd. overlooking the Long Island Sound.

According to information from the city, Wildcliff was built in 1855, designed by architect Alexander Jackson Davis. The gothic cottage was gifted to the City of New Rochelle by the Julius Prince family in 1940.

After having been utilized for city offices, the building housed a variety of nonprofit groups and functions, including Wildcliff Natural Science Center, East Coast Performing Arts and Wildcliff Center for the Arts.

The interior of the building has not been used for several years; the exterior was restored with funds from the sale of adjacent property.

It was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2002 and is a locally designated site.

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Photo via New Rochelle firefighters.