Higher EAST Side, NY — A ribbon was cut Wednesday to mark the completion of a prolonged-awaited renovation of the Blackwell Property, a historic setting up on Roosevelt Island whose rehabilitation has been decades in the building.
The dwelling, built in 1796, is the oldest building on Roosevelt Island and will turn into a museum, housing the island’s historic artifacts, archives and information.
The $2.9 million renovation was funded by the business office of Metropolis Councilmember Ben Kallos, the Roosevelt Island Advancement Company (RIOC) and the town.
For the duration of the ceremony, Kallos claimed the thrust to renovate Blackwell Residence commenced in the course of the tenure of his predecessor, Jessica Lappin — who was also in attendance Wednesday — but was delayed far more than 13 a long time thanks to battles with metropolis businesses in excess of funding.
“To be crystal clear, tasks like this ought to not be celebrating their Bar Mitzvah at their ribbon chopping,” Kallos stated.
It incorporates the installation of new stairs, ceilings, doorways, trimmings, HVAC systems and an ADA-compliant obtain ramp, according to Performing RIOC President Shelton Haynes.
Officials hope the renovation will lead to the revitalization of Roosevelt Island’s urban core.
“I believe that Blackwell Household will even more spur the curiosity of men and women, visitors, you title it, to explore not only this web site but the prolonged historic significance of Roosevelt Island,” explained Point out Sen. José M. Serrano.