New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Launches $3.9 Million Restoration Project for Hunterfly Road Houses
The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and Department of Design and Construction have launched a $3.9 million restoration project for the historic Hunterfly Road Houses at the Weeksville Heritage Center, officials announced Monday.
Background
The DDC, overseeing the project for the DCLA, said it will restore the exterior of the landmark houses, built in the 1800s on the border of today’s Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant, which are a significant part of New York City’s African American history.
About the Hunterfly Road Houses
The Heritage Center educates the public about Weeksville, one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America, and preserves the Hunterfly Road Houses that were built between 1840 and 1880. The houses reflect the homes of free African Americans in the 19th century and were rediscovered and acquired by the museum in 1968.
Restoration Project
The restoration project, set for completion by spring 2026, will focus on the houses’ exteriors, including the façades, siding, windows, doors, and front porches. The roofs will also be repaired, with damaged gutters, leaders, and wood brackets replaced to maintain structural integrity.
Upgrades
One house, built in 1869, will receive a climate-controlled storage room in its cellar to preserve historical artifacts. Upgraded plumbing, exterior lighting, and enhanced CCTV monitoring systems are also part of the renovation.
Importance of the Project
“This work represents a significant step in making sure that the Hunterfly Road Houses are here for generations to come,” said Dr. Raymond Codrington, president and CEO of Weeksville Heritage Center. “These houses embody the distinct history of freedom and self-determination that the founders of Weeksville used to build this community. Today we honor the people and effort it took to build and then preserve these houses while we also look forward to the future of Weeksville Heritage Center and our community.”
Community Reaction
“The restoration of the Hunterfly Road Houses is vital to the preservation of Brooklyn’s African American history,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “These homes tell the story of a thriving free Black community in Weeksville and serve as a testament to the resilience and lasting legacy of these Brooklynites. I commend the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Department of Design and Construction for preserving this piece of history, and I look forward to seeing how the restored houses uplift and educate visitors and community members.”
Conclusion
The restoration of the Hunterfly Road Houses is a crucial step in preserving the rich history of Weeksville and its significance to the African American community in Brooklyn. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026 and will ensure the continued preservation of this important cultural landmark.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the restoration project?
A: The purpose of the restoration project is to preserve the historic Hunterfly Road Houses and make them accessible for future generations.
Q: What will be restored?
A: The restoration project will focus on the exterior of the landmark houses, including the façades, siding, windows, doors, and front porches, as well as the roofs and damaged gutters, leaders, and wood brackets.
Q: What are the expected benefits of the project?
A: The project is expected to preserve the cultural heritage of Weeksville and provide a unique educational opportunity for the community and visitors to learn about the history of African Americans in Brooklyn.
Q: When is the project expected to be completed?
A: The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026.
