The Roslyn Landmark Society has received the latest in a series of grants for its ongoing restoration of the Village of Roslyn’s historic Grist Mill, this time from a state organization.
The New York State Regional Economic Development Council announced on Dec. 19 that the Landmark Society had been awarded a $500,000 grant for the ongoing restoration of the Roslyn Grist Mill.
The REDC says the grant will help to complete the third phase in the stabilization and restoration of the 300-year-old Dutch frame watermill, which began its restoration early in November. Construction continued throughout December, according to an email from the Landmark Society sent Dec. 22.
“Despite the cold weather and snow, the third of the six concrete footings was installed last week,” the email read. “These footings will support six wood cribbing columns that will allow lifting of the building back to street level for the first time in over 100 years. Once the mill is lifted eight feet, workers will have headroom to excavate the current foundation and construct a new one.”
The grant is one of the 2019 REDC awards, totaling more than $761 million in economic and community development funding, announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.
A total of over $3 million has been raised to date by the Roslyn Landmark Society for the project, with donors including from New York State, the Gerry Charitable Trust, the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, and various donations from the society’s many members.
Last month alone, the Landmark Society earned $245,000 in grants toward the grist mill project.
Landmark Society Director Jennifer Lister thanked all of the project’s supporters.
“We would like to thank the many organizations and individuals who are supporting the long-awaited restoration of one of the most historic buildings on Long Island,” Lister said. “The grant allows the restoration of the Roslyn Grist Mill to progress throughout 2020.”
Additionally, Landmark Society President Howard Kroplick noted that the restoration had been in the works for 42 years before it began in November.
“Since that time, the structure has been stabilized and the husk frame and timber frames are being restored,” Kroplick said. “The building is scheduled to be lifted to above street level for the first time in over 100 years during this winter. Once restored, the building will be enjoyed by generations of residents and visitors to the historic Village of Roslyn while providing provide educational and exhibit opportunities.”
