More Than You Know. Closer Than You Think.
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Meet Erik Lundberg
Erik Lundberg is a preservationist, architectural professional, and project manager at Johnson-Schmidt Architect PC.
He was born in Minnesota and grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts near Plymouth, the “birthplace of America,” according to many. Erik developed a love for history, our collective story, and beautiful early vernacular architecture from there. This led him to pursue architecture and design courses in high school and eventually receive college and graduate degrees in architecture and Historic Preservation. “I stayed in Massachusetts to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston before moving to NYC for grad school at the Pratt Institute,” Erik said.
Erik worked primarily on commercial real estate projects during the first summer of the pandemic. As the architecture and construction industry slowed, he was interested in returning to preservation work. “I found myself looking at jobs all over the region and when a listing at Johnson Schmidt Architect PC came up, Elise Johnson-Schmidt and I got to talking and hit it off.”
The position took a few years to become a reality, but when the time came, Elise reached out to Erik to discuss visiting, and Erik and his wife Anne were all about it. He remembers, “We knew about the glass industry in Corning and that it was cabin country but not much else. When we came to Corning last summer, we knew we wanted to move here.”
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Not having been to the area before, they thought it would be small, “and that’s not wrong compared to NYC,” he said, adding, “We see the same people in the neighborhood, the gym, and the store, but it’s not a bad thing. It has been a welcome change to befriend neighbors and locals while doing things in town.”
Though they were initially concerned that it might be hard to meet new people if everyone in the area was established or had been here a long time (and they admit it’s still a process for them), they are grateful for the kindness they’ve experienced from the people they’ve met so far.
Another concern they had was winter, and they wondered if they would find it tough after experiencing milder seasons in NYC. “This past winter was not so bad,” Erik admitted, “especially compared to Minnesota!”
He and Anne found a home in South Corning in the fall of 2023 after living in New York City for 14 years. “We had been in the Bronx for six years after having been in Brooklyn before that,” Erik said. Their scenery is very different today from the concrete haven they used to know. “We live on a lovely hillside with our two vintage Honda motorcycles and the animals in our yard who regularly try to break into our house. Our current favorite is the chubby groundhog we have yet to name.”
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Luckily, Erik didn’t find the move too difficult, especially with a new position in the wait. Anne is able to work remotely editing copy for a medical communications agency based in Manhattan. “We didn’t have a chance to look for homes between our visit and our move, so we found a spot on a whim,” Erik said. “The rental market did not seem as robust as the buyers’ market, but our rental has provided us with a convenient home thus far as we look to purchase a historic home to restore in the future.”
Erik also felt that this area has many unique historic structures and properties that are worth saving and investing in. “I really want to be a part of that conversation, as well as other stories yet to be written,” he said.
As nature lovers, they enjoy that they can drive ten minutes in any direction, and there are dense woods, rivers, and hills every which way. “We were and are still very excited at the prospect of making discoveries, meeting new people, and experiencing all that life has to offer outside the metropolis.”
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They relish the beauty of their surrounding landscape and how quaint and inviting the town of Corning is. “Also, as a preservationist, I’m inspired by the level of care the city and community have taken to maintain it,” he said. “The access to the outdoors and different towns has been great. I love taking my motorcycle up to any lake in the area and am looking forward to learning more about what’s out here.”
Today, Erik and Anne love their daily routine, which includes motorcycle maintenance, yoga, morning walks, and regularly swimming at the local YMCA. “We love going for a ride and finding a new hike, restaurant (we’re always looking for a good vegan spot), or place to swim outside,” Erik said.
“I recently received a membership to the Rockwell Museum for my birthday, which was such a nice surprise! We are also members at Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, and we’ve attended a couple of shows at CMoG.” Erik and Anne also enjoy weekend architectural heritage tours, exploring local villages, beautiful buildings, and rich history.
Now that it’s warm out, they have been taking the motorcycle cafe racing and exploring the northern and western parts of the state. “We look forward to some great hiking and swimming this summer!”
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In terms of what has changed since their move, Erik said, “My stress level. I love waking up to the birds chirping and watching the sunrise as the light hits the steep hill behind our house. I walk or drive to work, and it’s a peaceful experience without the headache of traffic or the overly crowded and sweaty subway.” He added, “We see so much more wildlife, which helps us feel connected to nature.”
He admitted, “In the city, you really had to seek out community. It’s easy to feel like you’re not alone because you’re surrounded by people, but you are not necessarily connecting with anyone or building relationships. You can hide in plain sight.”
“Here, you can’t do that,” Erik continued. “You connect more with people just by showing up and being present at any community event. In the city, you’ll show up, but you’re just another face in a crowd. I feel closer to the people and community when attending any event or meeting.”
Erik said being involved and open to smaller community events and engagement helps him feel they can take action more readily. “Whether on work projects or connecting with local artisans and makers, it feels more accessible to connect and work together to build something new and exchange ideas.”
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When it isn’t too wet, Erik enjoys his walk to work. “Our office is located in Corning’s historic Gaffer District, so traveling along Market Street in the morning is an incredible way to start the day,” he said, adding, “As a preservationist and architectural professional, I love being immersed in one of the nation’s premier preservation initiatives. For the rest of my day, I work closely with our team to help bring creative and affordable design solutions to our clients.” Much of the work Erik and his colleagues do focuses on rehabilitating and repositioning historic structures, seeking to take advantage of state and federal tax credit programs. “I have met many great people here looking to invest in and revitalize this community,” he shared.
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To anyone who might be looking to the Southern Finger Lakes as a place to relocate to, Erik says, “Don’t hesitate to get out, find some common interests with people in the community, and be open to seeing what can happen!” Erik also recommends joining the YMCA, as he finds it’s a great place to exercise, meet people, and connect with community members. “Not only does the Corning Family YMCA have great events and initiatives, but there is also the Watson Woods YMCA, which has fun monthly programs that are not just for families! It’s inclusive, and the team puts much love and work into what they do.”
“It’s great living here. If you’re concerned about living in a small town, Ithaca is only an hour’s drive from Corning (and even closer, depending on your town). There’s awesome food there, and something fun is always happening.” He added, “If you get homesick for cities, head to Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse, or Buffalo. There’s great food everywhere, but each of the larger cities near us is accessible enough by car or bus and can help cater to those cravings. Be open to the possibilities. I’m happy we came out here. We’re happy we came out here and wouldn’t change the story for any reason.”
Thank you, Erik, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.
Erik congrats on your life work balance. This looks amazing and fun. All my best to you and your family!