DDC Completes Project to Expand Accessibility at Poppenhusen Institute in College Point

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DDC Completes Project to Expand Accessibility at Poppenhusen Institute in College Point

June 1, 2018

Contact:
Ian Michaels
718-391-1589

College Point, NY – Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio of the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today that the agency has completed a $2.9 million project that has greatly expanded accessibility at the Poppenhusen Institute in Queens, an 1868 structure that is designated by both the National Register of Historic Places and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. DDC managed the project for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA).

The 150-year-old Poppenhusen Institute at 114-04 14th Road in College Point, Queens

The $2.9 million project, completed by the last week of May in time for the Institute’s 150th anniversary celebration, added an elevator for the first time to the organization’s five-story building as well as a new ADA entry and unisex ADA restroom. Areas in the building affected by placement of the new elevator shaft were also renovated with plaster wall repairs, new paint, new fixtures and electrical upgrades, refinishing of the original wood flooring and custom wood trims on all new door openings.

“Increasing access for people of all capabilities is in line with Mayor de Blasio’s goals for an equitable City that treats all of its residents fairly,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. “I want to thank the DDC team for their hard work on this project, and for making sure it was completed on schedule in order to help the Institute celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary.”

“This project constitutes perhaps the biggest change to the building's interior since it went from hot air to steam heat in the very early 20th century,” said James Trent, President of the Institute’s Board of Control. “It was a difficult project trying to thread an elevator through a 19th century building that architecturally was totally intact, striving for minimum adverse impact to that historic fabric. We are so pleased with the professional, friendly and caring supervision provided by the DDC team at all phases of the project. The contractor, NorthE, provided expert construction and now the Institute is ready for its next 150 years with better accessibility for all segments of the population.”

DDC’s design consultant for the project was JGWA Architects. The contractor was NorthE Group Inc.

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 de Blasio’s 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 $13 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.