What's the Deal with Roosevelt Island's Blackwell House

A reader asks the following question about Roosevelt Island's Blackwell House, one of the few remaining farmhouses in New York dating back to the period of time immediately following the Revolutionary War.

what's the deal w/the Blackwell House renovation? It looks a lot better now that's for sure, and I can't wait for the unsightliness to be over....but then what?

I am hoping that some enterprising NYer is going to turn it into a quaint B&B with an outdoor cafe....ha! Then I wouldn't have to find a sublet to put up my family when they visit because they don't fit in my apartment!

At one time RIOC was looking for a commercial tenant such as an architectural or design firm to lease the space. According to this 1991 article in the NY Times:

Those in the market for unusual office space might want to consider a fresh offering from New York State -- the Blackwell House on Roosevelt Island, a 202-year-old landmark farmhouse built by the family that owned the island for the entire 18th century. The state, through its Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, which is responsible for developing the island, says it is looking for a commercial tenant. Likely candidates include an architecture or design firm or not-for-profit organization.

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society currently has control of Blackwell House and has been working together with RIOC to renovate the building. In the June 16, 2007 Main Street Wire RIOC President Steve Shane wrote regarding Blackwell House:

The crews are working. The structural engineer has inspected the newly installed roof joists and approved starting the roofing. Siding will follow. Time extension to account for delays in the contracting process last year will add 60 days for an anticipated completion date of August 30, 2007.

RIOC President Shane reports in the June 30, 2007 Main Street Wire that:

Blackwell House renovation is under a full head of steam and finally looks to be on track.

In the September 22,2007 Main Street Wire RIOC President Shane writes regarding Blackwell House:

Construction continues on pace for a mid-October exterior completion. Interior programming and reconstruction will follow.

I would not count on Blackwell House becoming a bed & breakfast anytime soon so continue to look for that sublet for your visiting family members.

Images are from Forgotten NY Roosevelt Island Street Scenes.