Morris-Jumel Mansion
All Work | Morris-Jumel Mansion, New York, NY
Morris-Jumel Mansion
New York, New York
Scope
The Morris-Jumel Mansion, dating from 1765, is among the most important examples of Georgian architecture in the nation and the oldest residence in Manhattan. The building features rare early examples of a two-story colonnaded portico and an octagonal wing. The wooden facades are fashioned to simulate stone construction. Colonel Roger Morris built the house as his summer retreat and, with its prominent site overlooking the Harlem River and Manhattan, the building briefly served as Washington’s headquarters during the Revolution. The property is now one of New York’s most important landmarks, and is administered by the Historic House Trust of New York City.
Although maintained as an historic site since 1903, the Morris-Jumel Mansion had not seen any major repairs in almost thirty years. JHPArchitects PC conducted a complete existing conditions survey and prepared construction documents for exterior restoration. Extensive restoration included epoxy consolidation of deteriorated wooden structural members and detailed repairs of chimneys, porches, wooden portico columns, balustrades and other exterior elements. Craftsmen replicated the original wooden windows using traditional pegged mortise-and-tenon joinery and hand-blown glass.
Careful planning allowed this popular site to remain open to the public throughout the duration of the restoration project. The completed restoration received a special citation from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.