Conservancy Celebrates Erasmus Academy Restoration
November 2019 – The 1786 Erasmus Hall Academy has been restored to its former glory thanks to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Division of School Facilities. The work included restoring the roof and gutter, as well as window, chimney and siding repairs. The front and back porches were reconstructed.
The Conservancy fought to save the building for years, paying for conditions surveys and urging the City to take proper care of the landmark. Ultimately, Adams dedicated some $675,000 to get the project started.
Conservancy staff visited the site several times during the restoration process and kept tabs on the ongoing work. On this season of giving thanks, we thank all involved for the restoration and rebirth of one of Brooklyn’s oldest and finest landmarks.
Erasmus Hall Academy was built in 1786 as a private school for boys and stands today within the garden courtyard of Erasmus High School in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
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August, 2018
Work Finally underway at Erasmus Hall Academy
We are happy to report that the $700,000 in funding generously provided by the Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, has enabled the restoration work at the 1786 Erasmus Hall Academy to commence. The first phase includes the replacement of the roofing, and repair of the dormer windows and chimneys.
This work will halt water leaks and put an end to the interior damage they have caused. The second phase, which will begin immediately after the first phase, will include the repair and repainting of the clapboard facades, repair and repainting of the front and rear porches and repair and repainting of the wood windows. We plan to re-visit the site in late September.
This work is the culmination of a decades long campaign by Erasmus High School alumni and the Conservancy.
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April 2018
Work About to Begin at Erasmus Hall Academy
The Conservancy joined staff members from the Department of Education and the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a final walk-through of Erasmus Hall Academy prior to the commencement of roof replacement work. The finish roofing was selected from samples provided by the contractor, who also joined us. New brick for chimney repairs was also selected. Work is to commence within the next few weeks.
The $600,000 roof and dormer restoration project is being funded by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. Phase 2, which will include repair and repainting of the four facades, porches and windows will be funded separately.
Erasmus Hall Academy was built in 1786 as a private school for boys. Founded with the assistance of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, John Jay and others, it was the first secondary school chartered by the New York State of Regents. It is a Federal-period wooden building situated largely out of the view of the public within the central courtyard of Erasmus Hall High School. It is significant both for its distinguished architecture and its associations with the Founding Fathers. The Conservancy has worked to restore and reuse this building for more than a decade.