Officials broke ground last week on a $3.2 million project to preserve a historic Flushing gem.
A 17th century symbol of religious freedom, the Bowne House will get a new roof, gutters, pipes, wood wall shingles and steel columns, among other exterior restorations.
“The Bowne House helped to shape our history and now it is time for us to take care of its future for a new generation,” said Borough President Helen Marshall, who helped secure part of its funding.
Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski said the site is a symbol of tolerance and diversity.
It was built in the 1660s by John Bowne and used for Quaker meetings when religious diversity was forbidden by law.
The city-landmarked house closed for restoration this spring.
“The house is both historically and architecturally significant,” said Historic House Trust executive director Franklin Vagnone, “and this restoration will ensure it is preserved for the thousands of visitors and school children who will visit the house each year.”
Renovations are expected to be complete by the end of the year, a Parks spokesperson said.
However, officials are yet to determine the time frame for interior construction including strengthening the first-floor framing.
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