Construction for a $5.2 million exterior restoration of the Merchant’s House Museum will see the landmark building’s historic facade and stoop restored, and the bluestone sidewalk reset. 

Following a collaborative design process with the NYC Parks Department of Architecture & Engineering, the Historic House Trust of New York City in consultation with Padilla Construction Services has broken ground on an exterior restoration of the historic Merchant’s House Museum in the NoHo neighborhood of Manhattan.  

As a city-owned resource, the Merchant’s House Museum has a responsibility to remain open and accessible for all New Yorkers to enjoy. “There is an unprecedented number of innovative capital projects on the horizon at New York City’s historic houses, of which this is the first to move into construction” says Historic House Trust Executive Director Giulietta Fiore. “This project represents a tremendous investment by New Yorkers and their elected representatives to support the places that make our city unique and livable. We are proud to be stewarding this important project, and are grateful for the support of our partners and their communities.”

The Merchant’s House Museum is a landmarked 1832 late-Federal and Greek Revival rowhouse that was home to New York City merchant Seabury Tredwell and his family for almost 100 years. Gertrude Tredwell was born in her family's Manhattan home in 1840 and lived there until her death in 1933. She managed to keep her beautiful home in nearly original condition long after the neighboring private homes had been demolished or converted. The Merchant's House remains the only family home in New York City to survive intact from the 19th century. 

“Our historic houses are windows into our city’s past, connecting New Yorkers to our shared heritage while educating and inspiring new generations,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “This renovation work at the Merchant’s House Museum preserves a unique element of Manhattan’s history and ensures that it will remain a thriving educational resource for New Yorkers and visitors alike. We’re proud of our work with the Historic House Trust to maintain the nearly two-dozen historic houses that enhance our city, many of which are located within our public parks.”

The Merchant’s House Museum opened as a public museum in 1936 with a commitment to interpreting 19th-century history from all angles. Drawn entirely from the family’s belongings, the Merchant’s House Museum today showcases seven period rooms and a rear garden that offers visitors an authentic and intimate glimpse of the domestic life of a prominent merchant family following the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. During this period, New York City was transforming from a colonial seaport to a thriving metropolis. The Museum offers engaging educational programs for community members, schoolchildren, and visitors from across the country and world.

“We are delighted that the City continues to value the Merchant’s House as the irreplaceable historic, architectural and cultural resource that it has long been, and look forward to working with relevant stakeholders to preserve this one-of-a-kind landmark for generations to come” says Merchant’s House Museum Executive Director Pi Gardiner. All are encouraged to visit the museum throughout the project to not only explore this historic gem, but also to experience historic preservation in-action. Guests may enter the Museum via Manuel Plaza at 35 East 4th Street.

Funding for this project was provided by former elected officials Mayor Bill de Blasio, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Council Member Rosie Mendez, and continues with the support of Mayor Eric L. Adams and Council Member Carlina Rivera.

About the Historic House Trust of New York City
The Historic House Trust of New York City partners with NYC Parks to advocate for, promote, and provide expertise to preserve 23 publicly-owned historic house museums located across all five boroughs of New York City. They also partner with independent nonprofit organizations that operate the historic sites as museums, as well as NYC Parks and other City agencies, to assist in preservation and advocacy efforts. The team manages restoration projects at its partner sites, coordinates daily maintenance needs, advises on best practices in historic preservation, and works to address the evolving needs of its partners and stakeholders. Learn more at www.historichousetrust.org and follow on Instagram @hhtnyc.

About the Merchant's House Museum
The Merchant’s House Museum is an NYC exterior and interior Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and on the State Register of Historic Places. The property is under the jurisdiction of NYC Parks and is a partner site of the Historic House Trust of New York City. The Museum is operated by The Old Merchants House of New York, Inc., the mission of which is to tell the story of the domestic life of a prominent  merchant family and their Irish servants in the mid-19th century when the mercantile seaport of New York City emerged as a growing metropolis and the commercial emporium of America. Plan your visit at merchantshouse.org.

Press Contact:
Giulietta Fiore
giulietta.fiore@historichousetrust.org
646-360-0203