Governors Island
NONPROFIT / 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Governors Island is a 172-acre Island in the heart of New York Harbor. Just minutes from Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront by ferry, the Island is a popular destination open to visitors year-round. The Island features expansive open space, playgrounds, several dining and food-truck options, historic sites, trails, bicycle rentals, an urban farm, athletic fields, birdwatching, and sweeping views of the New York and New Jersey skylines.
The Island was referred to as Paggank (Nut Island) by the indigenous Lenape of the Manhattan region, after its plentiful hickory, oak and chestnut trees. With the arrival of the Dutch West India Company in 1624, the Island was confiscated and renamed “Noten Eylandt” and a small fort and sawmill was constructed. In 1664 the English captured New Amsterdam and took Nutten Island (the British mispronunciation of the Island) transforming it into a fort and garrison, eventually renaming it Governors Island and reserving it for the “benefit and accommodation of His Majesty’s Governors.”
NONPROFIT / 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Role: Project Manager Role: Renovation & Configuration
The Block House is currently the only building on Governors Island that supports short-term overnight accommodations for cultural and academic purposes. As such, Independent Project Residency Fellows enjoy exclusive access to the Island beyond its regular operating hours. Home of the Institute for Public Architecture since 2021, the 185-year old structure is a landmarked Greek Revival building designed by architect Martin E. Thompson. During the decades when Governors Island was a U.S. military base, the Block House served as a General’s headquarters, Officers’ quarters, and hospital. The IPA has restored and equipped the Block House to support the Residency and create a productive environment for living and working. Accommodations include: 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a communal studio, art & design library, kitchen, dining room, ‘workshop,’ and plenty of outdoor space.
The furniture selection and configuration of the Block House was designed with flexibility in mind to easily accommodate the various uses that are required to support the IPA’s broad range of public and internal programs. In addition to the Independent Project Residency Fellow cohort, the house has hosted exhibitions, lectures, workshops, symposia, corporate and non-profit retreats, dinner parties, fundraisers, galas, and screenings.