Blackwell House Broken Windows - What Is the Future For This Roosevelt Island Landmark?
Image of Blackwell House back porchI received a message and these photos from a reader showing the back porch of Blackwell House with the broken windows pictured below. I asked RIOC President Steve Shane the following:
A reader sent in some pictures of broken windows in the back portion of Blackwell's House. Is the responsibility for fixing the windows with RIOC or Historical Society? Any idea when they might get fixed? Also, has any decision regarding the ultimate use of Blackwell House been determined yet? If the house was being used or had a live-in caretaker, acts of vandalism would be less likely. Perhaps something similar to the plans for the Hamilton Grange House in Harlem might be possible.
Image of Blackwell House broken windowMr. Shane response:
Fixing the window is RIOC's responsibility. The matter of a live in custodian has been thoroughly discussed, but is very problematic because of the condition of Blackwell House.Mr. Shane followed up with:
Glazer was there yesterday to measure. Should be installed by Friday.Good job in responding to broken window but at what point will the condition of Blackwell House be such that it can be used for some purpose other than just staring at it?
3 comments :
I think that is actually the front porch and the door facing Main Street is historically the back door. I believe that is what Judy Berdy of hte Historical Society told me during tour guide training but I may be wrong.
The front of the house faces Queens. The Blackwell family lived in Queens and the house faced east.
It is important to find an end use purpose, purhaps as a revenue stream to fund transportation alternatives for residents, dealing with escalating crime, providing valued vendors for empty spaces on Main Street...shall I go on?
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