City Completes $6.2 Million Upgrade of Historic 19th Century Poppenhusen Institute Building

Project Done $1 Million Under Budget; Upgraded Windows, Dormers of Landmarked Three-Story Building

DCLA: publicaffairs@culture.nyc.gov
DDC: Denisse Moreno, morenoDe@ddc.nyc.gov, 718-391-1854

(College Point, NY – November 12, 2025) The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today the completion of a $6.2 million restoration project at the Poppenhusen Institute in Queens, an 1868 structure that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has also been designated a landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. DDC managed the project, which was done $1 million under the allocated budget, for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA). 

“The Poppenhusen Institute is a testament to the legacy of Conrad Poppenhusen, a German immigrant who designed and constructed the current building, which served as the first free kindergarten in the United States and continues to serve as a hub for art, culture, and community in the vibrant neighborhood of College Point,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “We’re proud to work with our partners at DDC, the City Council, and the Queens Borough President’s Office to fund and complete this important restoration project, which will ensure that the Poppenhusen Institute can continue to engage residents from across Queens and beyond for generations to come.”

“DDC has a history of working at the Poppenhusen Institute, an organization that has been a staple in the Queens community for over 150 years, and this $6.2 million project fully renovated the sills and windows of their historic building,” said Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle. “The Poppenhusen Institute is an architectural marvel of the 19th century and very little of the three-story Italianate building has been removed or altered throughout the years. This project made necessary upgrades while preserving the building’s character and completing it $1 million under the project’s allocated budget.”

“The Poppenhusen Institute, Home of the First Free Kindergarten in the United States, is thrilled with the recently completed window and façade project,” said Susan K. Brustmann, Executive Director of the Poppenhusen Institute. “Gradually, this historic treasure is being returned to its original state of grandeur. It truly is a ‘bright jewel in the crown of Queens.’ We remain grateful for the funding from Queens Borough President Donavan Richards Jr., Councilmember Vickie Paladino, and Mayor Eric Adams through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs—which made this project possible."

Located at 114-04 14th Road in College Point, Queens, the Poppenhusen Institute was one of the nation’s first structures built exclusively of cast or artificial stone. The project completely replaced and provided thermal upgrades to the building’s 97 exterior wood and steel windows, including five monumental windows and 16 dormers on the attic level. The building’s brownstone sills, wood windows, window hood elements and masonry were upgraded in a manner that preserves the historic nature of the Institute. The project also fixed water infiltration at many of the brownstone windowsills and trim which had been exfoliated and deteriorated.

This project follows a $2.9 million project completed in 2018 that expanded accessibility at the building, adding an elevator for the first time as well as a new ADA-compliant entry, a unisex ADA-compliant restroom, and additional upgrades. A future city-funded capital project that will renovate the building’s façade is currently in development.

The Poppenhusen Institute is named after German immigrant Conrad Poppenhusen, an industrialist and a philanthropist who was the benefactor of College Point. The Poppenhusen Institute, which he funded in 1868, was envisioned as an educational center for adults and young children in the surrounding working-class community, playing a defining role in the social development of College Point. In 1870, the Poppenhusen Institute began the first free kindergarten in the United States. Throughout its history, the building has served other purposes, including as a free public library, a village hall, savings bank and the Sheriff’s Office.

“LPC is proud to support ongoing efforts to restore the Poppenhusen Institute, which stands as a significant example of post-Civil War civic architecture,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Vice Chair Angie Master. “As part of a multi-phase restoration project, the Commission approved work to update the building’s windows and doors in a manner appropriate to its distinctive architectural and historic character. This latest phase of improvements will help ensure that this remarkable landmark – built in 1868 and the site of the nation’s first free kindergarten – continues to serve the College Point community for generations to come.”

“Since taking office in 2022, I’ve made it a priority to direct hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding toward preserving and restoring the historic Poppenhusen Institute in College Point,” said Councilmember Vickie Paladino. “This beloved landmark is a cornerstone of our neighborhood’s history, and protecting it means preserving the spirit and stories that make our community so special. Together, we’re ensuring the Institute continues to serve and inspire generations to come.”

About NYC Department of Cultural Affairs
The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is dedicated to supporting and strengthening New York City’s vibrant cultural life. DCLA works to promote and advocate for quality arts programming and to articulate the contribution made by the cultural community to the City’s vitality. The Department represents and serves non-profit cultural organizations involved in the visual, literary, and performing arts; public-oriented science and humanities institutions including zoos, botanical gardens, and historic and preservation societies; and creative artists at all skill levels who live and work within the City’s five boroughs. DCLA also provides donated materials for arts programs offered by the public schools and cultural and social service groups, and commissions permanent works of public art at City-funded construction projects throughout the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/culture.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $34 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.