A historic College Point landmark that once housed the nation’s first free kindergarten has received a $6.2 million makeover. Built in 1868, the Poppenhusen Institute—listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a New York City landmark—was among the first buildings in the country constructed entirely of cast, or artificial, stone. Located at 114-04 14th Road, the project included replacing and upgrading all 97 wood and steel windows, along with careful masonry restoration that preserves the building’s historic character.
German immigrant Conrad Poppenhusen, an industrialist and philanthropist, established the Poppenhusen Institute as an educational center for adults and young children in the surrounding working-class community, helping to make it a key pillar of College Point’s social development.
Its original charter stated that it “be open to all, irrespective of race, creed or religion,” giving people the opportunity to improve their lives by preparing for better jobs or simply enriching their leisure time, according to the institute’s website.
In 1870, the institute housed the first free kindergarten in the U.S. and, throughout its history, has also served as a free public library, a village hall, a savings bank, and a sheriff’s office. Today, it continues to host arts programming, community events, cultural celebrations, and more, according to TimeOut.
The city designated the building a landmark in 1970, and the federal government added it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In 1980, local advocacy and a successful Supreme Court case prevented the institute from being sold and demolished.
The renovation, led by the city’s Departments of Design and Construction (DDC) and Cultural Affairs, came in $1 million under budget—a rare feat for a restoration of this scale. As part of the work, the building’s brownstone sills, wood windows, window hood elements, and masonry were upgraded, adding new protections against water infiltration that had gradually eroded many of the sills and trims over the years.
“The Poppenhusen Institute, home of the first free kindergarten in the United States, is thrilled with the recently completed window and facade project,” Susan K. Brustmann, executive director of the Poppenhusen Institute, said. “Gradually, this historic treasure is being returned to its original state of grandeur. It truly is a ‘bright jewel’ in the crown of Queens.”
The project follows a $2.9 million renovation in 2018 that expanded accessibility by installing the building’s first elevator, creating a new ADA-compliant entry, adding a unisex ADA-compliant restroom, and making other upgrades. A future project to refurbish the building’s facade is currently in development.
“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,” Council Member Vickie Paladino said.
“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.”
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