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Lockwood‑Matthews reopening continues; grant closeout, repairs and National Register update cited as next steps
Summary
Lockwood‑Matthews Mansion has reopened and is programming concerts and exhibitions; the commission heard updates on closeout of a $725,000 OPM grant for Mill Hill, ongoing punch‑list repairs, a failing gate‑lodge roof (estimate under $15,000), and delays in a National Register update that are affecting historic‑roof matching grants.
Commissioners received a multi‑part update on Mill Hill and Lockwood‑Matthews Mansion operations, capital work and grant closeout as the museum organization completes its reopening and schedules summer and fall programming.
Susan (Susie), a presenter for the mansion, said the reopening reception drew more than 100 attendees and that the mansion hosted 200 visitors during an Art in the Park festival. Upcoming events include a free concert in the garden, an Independence Day program with a Declaration of Independence reading by Town Clerk Rick McQuaid and a bell ringing, and a September exhibition featuring artifacts from private New York Stock Exchange collections. Susan said the mansion raised more than $70,000 to support the September exhibition.
Patsy and other commission members described the logistical challenges of moving staff and operations back into the renovated building, completing a project punch list and restarting docent tours. Commissioners said many of the mechanical upgrades are not visible to visitors but are crucial to building performance.
David reported that final closeout documentation for a 2017 Office of Policy and Management (OPM) grant for Mill Hill — $725,000 for accessibility and related work — has been assembled and submitted to the city grants coordinator; he said the city should receive reimbursement and close the grant, but noted the state’s review cycle and the timing of state budget work can slow the closeout process.
On building repairs, commissioners heard that the small gate‑lodge roof is failing and that facilities intend to replace it with new asphalt shingles because the National Register update needed to secure matching state funds has been delayed. David said the roof replacement estimate is under $15,000 and the cost will come from the capital budget line allocated for the site. Commissioners discussed pursuing the historically appropriate slate roof if matching funds become available in the future.
Other capital items discussed included: plaster repair and repainting in the servants’ stair hall; replacement of video‑security systems at both the museum and Mill Hill because older systems are no longer supported (new systems would record to cloud storage and retain roughly 500 hours of footage); and a small storage shed planned to match other Mill Hill buildings with a wood‑shingle roof. The commission noted work is underway to finalize quotes and purchase orders for these items.
Commissioners thanked staff and volunteers, noted continued need for more docents and volunteers as the museum expands hours, and endorsed continued coordination with facilities management and the city grants coordinator to finish grant closeouts and capital purchases. No new motions were made on these items at the meeting.
