The five Queens locations that participated in the Partners in Preservation grant competition did not win, but nevertheless some money was thrown in the borough’s direction late last week.
American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the sponsors of the competition, gave four locations, out of 40, with the most Facebook votes the full amount they asked for on May 24.
The top three spots are the Brooklyn Public Library; Congregation Beth Elohim, in Brooklyn; and the New York Botanical Garden, in the Bronx. Each was awarded $250,000. The fourth place winner, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the Bronx, received $155,000.
The other 36 locations wrote a report showing what they orchestrated in an effort to get votes. Based on those reports a committee doled out the remaining $2.1 million.
The Louis Armstrong House Museum, in Corona, ranking in at No. 13, was awarded $150,000 to restore Louis’ garden. Louis Armstrong celebrated his 71st birthday in his garden, and then passed away two days later.
Flushing Town Hall, No. 37, received $100,000 to restore windows and roofing, coinciding with the 150th anniversary celebration of the building.
The Queens County Farm Museum, No. 25, won $80,000 to renovate building exteriors by replacing the roof, windows, clapboards and exterior wall shingles.
All remaining locations were given $10,000 for participating, including the Astoria Pool Olympic High Dive, No. 30; and the Rocket Thrower statue in Flushing Meadows Park, No. 36.
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