The New York Landmarks Conservancy has announced the winners of the 2026 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards, the Conservancy’s highest honors for excellence in preservation. The Award recipients demonstrate outstanding and challenging preservation projects that occur throughout the City.
Poppenhusen Institute at 114-4 14th Road in College Point will receive the Award at a ceremony on April 16th at 6:00 pm at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street. The ceremony attracts an audience of more than 500 every year.
“The Lucys introduce you to great preservation work, and the amazing people who made it happen. It’s an uplifting celebration–and a great party to boot!,” said Peg Breen, President of The New York Landmarks Conservancy.
The Poppenhusen Institute in College Point is a rare and highly intact civic building dating to 1868, constructed by German immigrant and philanthropist Conrad Poppenhusen as a cultural and educational anchor for the surrounding community. Among the defining features are the series of tall, arched window openings that culminate in the Grand Hall’s monumental 20-foot-tall windows. The handsome building reflects the era’s commitment to public enrichment through architecture, but over time, weather exposure and material aging resulted in deterioration to the building envelope.
In response, this project comprised comprehensive, building-wide exterior restoration and targeted interior finishes, with a focus on historically accurate repair and replacement. All 97 windows have been expertly replaced with custom, double-hung wood windows that replicate original profiles, brickmolds, proportions, and historic finish. Decorative wood elements at all dormers were rebuilt in-kind, and new flashing was installed to improve long-term performance while remaining visually discreet. Historic masonry openings were restored by removing later brick infill. Wood door surrounds and transom frames were painted. At the south façade, a deteriorated rear wood door was replaced with a historically accurate, barrier-free entry that matches the original configuration and detailing, incorporating an automatic door operator and required signage. Interior work included plaster repair and repainting of wood window trim to ensure continuity between exterior restoration and interior character.
CTA Architects worked with the City’s Department of Design and Construction to complete this impressive work. This restoration project has succeeded in preserving the Institute’s historic character while ensuring its continued functionality, accessibility, and long-term durability as a public landmark.
Photo Credit: Dara Magagnoli
Poppenhusen Institute at 114-4 14th Road in College Point will receive the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award at a ceremony on April 16th at 6:00 pm at The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street.