State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblyman Mike Reilly introduced $445,000 in state funding Monday, Aug. 3, to assist restoration work on the historic Kreischer Mansion and assist make the Charleston landmark accessible to the general public.
Scarcella-Spanton secured $315,000 for the mission, whereas Reilly obtained a further $130,000. The lawmakers gathered on the mansion with native officers and the property’s homeowners to stipulate how the cash can be used to protect the location and develop public entry.
Constructed round 1885 by German immigrant and brick producer Balthasar Kreischer, the mansion was constructed for one in every of his sons and has remained a fixture within the Charleston group for greater than a century.
The property is thought for its distinctive architectural design and its connection to Staten Island’s industrial historical past. It has additionally gained a fame amongst residents as one of many borough’s most well-known haunted homes, including to its place in native folklore.
The Kreischer Home was designated a New York Metropolis landmark in 1968 and added to the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations in 1982.
Scarcella-Spanton mentioned the brand new funding will assist make sure that the property is maintained whereas creating alternatives for Staten Islanders to go to and find out about its historical past.
“Receiving essential maintenance support and opening its doors to the public are important steps in preserving all of the history that the Kreischer Mansion holds,” Scarcella-Spanton mentioned.
Reilly additionally emphasised the mansion’s significance to the borough and mentioned the restoration mission will enable extra New Yorkers to expertise the property.
“The Kreischer Mansion is a treasured part of Staten Island’s history and a symbol of the generations who helped shape our community,” Reilly mentioned. “The mansion will now be accessible to the public, and this historical treasure will be an inspiration for all New Yorkers.”
State Sen. Andrew Lanza, who additionally attended Monday’s press convention, described the mansion as an essential reminder of Staten Island’s industrial previous and expressed assist for the state funding.
“The Kreischer Mansion is a true Staten Island treasure with deep roots in our borough’s industrial past,” Lanza mentioned. “I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting state funding that will help restore this iconic landmark so it can once again serve our community.”
The mansion’s present homeowners, Eric Bischoff and Julia Mackie, additionally appeared on the announcement. Kreischer Mansion Holdings LLC bought the property in March 2025 and has since been working towards restoring it and reopening it for public use.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to restore the Kreischer House,” Bischoff mentioned.
Scarcella-Spanton praised Bischoff and Mackie for taking up the restoration effort and dealing to protect the mansion’s place in Staten Island historical past.
“The work and effort to keep the legacy of the Charles Kreischer House is admirable, and I thank everyone involved, including Eric Bischoff and Julia Mackie, for their unwavering commitment to keeping our borough’s story alive,” she mentioned.
The $445,000 will assist continued restoration and upkeep work on the property as its homeowners put together the mansion for broader public entry.
Officers mentioned preserving the location will defend an essential a part of Staten Island’s architectural and industrial heritage whereas giving future generations the chance to go to one of many borough’s most recognizable historic properties.
