The Mud Lane Society for the Renaissance of Stapleton is a non-profit neighborhood corporation that exists to promote and improve the village of Stapleton, located on the Northeast coast of Staten Island, N.Y.  Our neighborhood includes an abundance of Victorian and historic homes as well as small businesses.  The area also boasts bucolic harbor views and greenery, and is just a short ferry ride across the harbor from the bustle of Manhattan.

When the Mud Lane Society was formed in the summer of 1977, its officers discussed strategy for the revival of the once-delightful, then distressed Stapleton. Consensus was that the splendid houses "up the hill" could be promoted easily and quickly. The effort was a success. Newcomers who shared Mud Lane's outlook began arriving from everywhere. They removed boards from windows and sheetrock from walls. The houses of Stapleton Heights reaffirmed their owners' belief that they were originally built spendidly.

Mud Lane takes its name from the 1840's when St. Paul's Avenue was dubbed Mud Lane. Before pavement and sewers, passing downpours would wash mud from the surrounding hillside onto the street.  Many of our members are in the active pursuit of restoring and maintaining these gorgeous old homes.

The village of Stapleton was founded in the1830's as a complete town just south of the Staten Island Ferry.  During the 19th century and into the early 20th century, the town was the commercial brewery center of Staten Island, and a retreat for the wealthy who built many of the imposing Victorian structures.  In fact, those who called Stapleton home, included well known local families including the Outerbridges, the Wards, the Van Duzers and the Vanderbilts.

In recent years, The Mud Lane Society has actively showcased these structures by sponsoring architectural house tours.  We have also sponsored a summer luncheon music interlude in Tappan Park, the center of the business district in Stapleton, which is known for its Carnegie designed Victorian community center, gazebo, and a quaint square.

Mud Lane's interests encompass economic development and environmental, cultural, social, political, and architectural concerns.  We continue to remain active in protecting this unique area and, working with others, to make a better Stapleton and Staten Island.