$4.8M In Improvements Will Transform Historic Van Cortlandt Manor

CORTLANDT, NY — A famous Hudson Valley historic landmark will get a multi-million dollar makeover before reopening to the public next year.

Empire State Development announced that New York State, in partnership with Historic Hudson Valley, will undertake a massive project to improve safety and accessibility at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

Planners say addressing the National Historic Landmark’s infrastructure issues will create a more welcoming and secure environment for visitors.

The restoration was announced at Van Cortlandt Manor on Monday, at a special event attended by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, other state and local elected officials, representatives of Historic Hudson Valle and community members.

"The Van Cortlandt Manor National Historic Site has served as a pillar of our democracy since our country's founding," Delgado said. "We are proud to have invested $600,000 in this project through Empire State Development to ensure the sustainability, safety, and tourism attraction of this historic landmark."

Constructed in the 18th century, Van Cortlandt Manor was the home of New York State’s first Lieutenant Governor, Pierre Van Cortlandt, according to the historic site's leadership. Situated on the frontlines of American Revolutionary War, Van Cortlandt Manor was a pivotal hub for information exchange, ranging from patriot politics to opportunities for resistance among the enslaved.

"Sited on the frontline of the American Revolution, Van Cortlandt Manor is a key part of New York State’s history," Empire State Development President Hope Knight said. "With these upgrades, Historic Hudson Valley will continue to share its story with the many thousands of people who visit this important National Historic Landmark each year. This will boost the region’s economic vitality by drawing in visitors who support jobs not only at the Manor, but across the Mid-Hudson region."

The renovation of Van Cortlandt Manor will also address a notorious traffic issue. Plans call for remediating the section of the former Route 9 road belt that bisects the site and reconfiguring the manor’s entrance to improve both car and pedestrian safety.

"Van Cortland Manor is one of the great historical treasures of New York State and an economic engine for the Hudson Valley, attracting visitors from near and far for its many wonderful events, including The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze during the Halloween Season," New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. "The Department of Transportation is proud to support this restoration effort, which will enhance safety and make it easier for motorists and pedestrians alike to visit and explore this National Historic Landmark.”

Officials said planned work will address key infrastructure concerns.

• Mitigate recurring car crashes through the entry gate.
• Upgrade vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow for safety.
• Enhance drainage and storm water management.
• Suppress invasive species and replant native trees and shrubs.
• Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to the Metro-North/Amtrak station and downtown Croton-on-Hudson.

"Van Cortlandt Manor is one of the most historic and culturally significant sites in the 40th Senate District, as well as a major tourist destination and integral part of our local economy," State Senator Pete Harckham said. "The major improvements planned for this much-loved Colonial-era property to ease vehicular entry and mitigate climate change effects will benefit visitors greatly. I am proud to have been able to secure State Senate funding for these projects and appreciate the Governor’s investment as well."

The Historic Hudson Valley organization has received nearly $3 million in funding for this restoration project comprised of a $2.2 million appropriation from the Federal Highway Administration and administered through the New York State Department of Transportation, a $600,000 Empire State Development grant, with additional help from the Indian Point Community Fund.

"This project is a testament to the invaluable support from Governor Kathy Hochul's office, New York State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, New York State Senator Pete Harckham, Westchester County, and the village of Croton-on-Hudson," Historic Hudson Valley President Waddell Stillman said. "We are so pleased to be able to contribute to the economic health and cultural vibrancy of the region. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our funders, and we look forward to welcoming a wider audience to Van Cortlandt Manor in the future."

Additionally, the project will receive money through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program with the assistance of New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg in the amounts of $100,000 and $125,000, respectively.

"Historic Hudson Valley's efforts to bring forth our area's untold stories from the past are commendable," Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg said. "Even more so is their work to make history accessible, both figuratively and literally with these new infrastructure improvements. It is an honor to support this worthy organization, and I look forward to returning once these renovations are complete."

Construction is set to conclude in 2026 with hopes of welcoming the public back to the manor in time for its semi-quincentennial celebrations.