Manhattan's Oldest Home In Wash Heights Announces $2.7M Repairs

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — No home has survived more time in Manhattan than the 256 years that the Morris-Jumel Mansion has stood in Washington Heights.

The Declaration of Independence was still 11 years from getting authored and signed when the home at 65 Jumel Terrace first went up.

Unsurprisingly, the Moris-Jumel Mansion has needed many restorations and renovations over the centuries, and a new $2.7 million restoration project was announced on Tuesday for the property.

The goal of the project is to address areas of deterioration on the building's exterior, complete a roof restoration, and provide universal access to the first floor of the museum and to the restroom facilities.

The project funding was announced by the Morris-Jumel Mansion and the Historic House Trust of New York City. Page Ayres Cowley and the HHT Capital team will oversee the project through the design phase.

“As a community cultural anchor, the completion of this project will complement our work to showcase the architecture of the building and the museum’s collection of fine and decorative arts, and will provide a platform for the delivery of more inclusive content and programming to our ever-expanding audiences," said Shiloh Holley, Executive Director of Morris-Jumel Mansion, in a news release.

The mansion was turned into a museum over the years and preserves, collects, and interprets history, culture, and the arts "to explore inclusive narratives that engage and inspire diverse audiences."

"This project will bring Manhattan's oldest surviving house into the 21st century by renovating the landmarked building's exterior and improving accessibility," said NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff, in a news release.

The funding was made available by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.

You can find out more about the Morris-Jumel Mansion on its website.