SUGAR HILL’S CROWN JEWEL GETS A NEW SHINE: MORRIS-JUMEL MANSION RESTORATION KICKS OFF

Once called "the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill" by Duke Ellington, Manhattan's oldest house enters a bold new moment, carrying forward a melody of preservation and partnership with NYC Parks, the Historic House Trust, and the Morris-Jumel Mansion

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura joined Historic House Trust Executive Director Giulietta Fiore, City Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa, Morris-Jumel Mansion Board President Glen P. Campbell, former City Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, and members of the community to celebrate the official beginning of construction on an approximately $10 million major restoration of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the treasured 1765 landmark and Manhattan's oldest surviving residence. This ambitious project will safeguard this historic site, restore the Mansion to a condition befitting its status as a city and national landmark, and fortify its role as a cultural beacon for Upper Manhattan.

"I am so proud to have worked alongside this incredible group of stakeholders to move this project forward during my time as Manhattan Borough Commissioner," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "While my role has expanded, the Morris-Jumel Mansion will always be close to my heart. Its preservation is a powerful reminder of why historic places matter."

"This groundbreaking is more than just a construction milestone," said Giulietta Fiore, Executive Director of the Historic House Trust. "It is a celebration of history, community, and the belief that every New Yorker deserves a meaningful connection to our shared past. This project ensures that the Morris-Jumel Mansion will continue to inspire curiosity, learning, and pride for generations to come."

Following a comprehensive and collaborative design process with Page Ayres Cowley Architecture, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is now taking the next step of its transformative capital project. What began in 2021 as a smaller, $2.7 million effort has grown-through advocacy, partnership, and public investment-into an approximately $10 million, two-phase restoration that will address critical preservation and accessibility needs.

"I'm proud to have helped secure funding to support the restoration of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, one of Northern Manhattan's most treasured historic landmarks," said New York City Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa. "This project will reconstruct and preserve the Mansion's exterior while adding critical accessibility improvements, ensuring this cultural and historical anchor remains welcoming and accessible to our community for generations to come."

"Historic buildings like Morris-Jumel Mansion help New Yorkers understand the city's past," said New York City Councilmember Gale A. Brewer. "Its restoration will ensure that the public can continue learning from its history. I was pleased to support this project when I was Manhattan Borough President, and it's exciting to see construction underway so this landmark can continue serving New Yorkers for years to come."

"The Morris-Jumel Mansion is more than Manhattan's oldest surviving home - it is a living record of the many chapters that shaped our city. From the American Revolution to the storied cultural life of Sugar Hill, this landmark reminds us that New York's history lives not only in books, but in the places we preserve. I was proud to help secure $800,000 in state funding to ensure this historic site remains protected and accessible for future generations," said State Senator Robert Jackson.

"Today's groundbreaking marks more than the start of restoration," said State Assemblymember Al Taylor. "It represents a renewed commitment to community investment, cultural preservation and shared opportunity. The Morris-Jumel Mansion has long been known as a landmark in Washington Heights, but its greatest value lies in how it continues to serve the people who live around it. I am proud to be part of this effort to not only preserve but also activate this historic site as a living resource for the community and as a place where education, culture and neighborhood pride can grow together. Investing in this restoration means investing in local families, young people, artists, historians and the many voices that shape this neighborhood."

"The restoration of this important site will guarantee that present and future generations of New Yorkers, especially our youth, as well as visitors will learn about the vision of democracy that motivated leaders such as George Washington and others," said former City Councilmember and Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "More than ever, having a destination such as Morris-Jumel Mansion provides a place to learn about building a society for all people, regardless of their social, economic, ethnic and faith backgrounds. It was an honor as a former Council Member to allocate funding to this project."

"The Morris-Jumel Mansion Trustees are deeply appreciative of and grateful to the City and State elected officials who have allocated funds for the restoration of this unique, historic house and museum," said Glen P. Campbell, Board President of the Morris-Jumel Mansion. "We are particularly grateful to our Board Vice President, Wayne A. Benjamin, who has been essential to our successful efforts. After years of advocacy, thoughtful planning, and care, seeing this restoration finally begin is incredibly exciting. This investment protects the legacy of an edifice that has reflected, served, and played a role in our community for more than two centuries."

The first phase of construction, beginning this month, focuses on the essential restoration of the Mansion's exterior so it can continue to shine for generations to come. This work includes replacing the roof, restoring the windows and architectural details, repairing historic wood siding, and renewing the iconic porch and columns that have welcomed visitors throughout its long history.

Funding for the project was provided by former elected officials Mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough Presidents Gale A. Brewer and Mark Levine, and Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, and continues with the support of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Senator Robert Jackson, Assemblymember Al Taylor, and Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa.

For the safety of visitors, the Mansion will be closed to the public on weekdays for up to six months during roof replacement. Even so, the Morris-Jumel Mansion will continue bringing New York history to life through its popular "Uncovering Uptown History" guided walking tours, virtual programming, school programs, and special events, ensuring that the story of Sugar Hill's crown jewel remains vibrant and accessible throughout the restoration. Roger Morris Park will remain open for park goers to enjoy.