A beacon of Long Island’s Gilded Age grandeur is one step closer to being restored, thanks to a $427,000 grant awarded to the Roslyn Landmark Society by the New York State Council on the Arts.
The funding, announced as part of a broader $86 million investment in capital projects across the state, will help replace the roof of the Mackay Estate Gate Lodge, a rare surviving gem of Long Island’s past.
“We are extremely grateful to be recipients of this funding,” said Jaime Karbowiak, executive director of the Roslyn Landmark Society. “This grant brings us significantly closer to our goal of restoring the Gate Lodge not only as a piece of architectural history, but as a community resource and educational center for future generations.”
Tucked away in the Village of East Hills, the Mackay Estate Gate Lodge was designed by legendary Gilded Age architect Stanford White and constructed between 1900 and 1902. The Beaux-Arts masterpiece once served as the formal gateway to Clarence Mackay’s “Harbor Hill,” a sprawling Gold Coast estate that rivaled the grand homes of Europe. Today, the Gate Lodge is one of only three original structures from the estate that still stands.
The Roslyn Landmark Society, in collaboration with the Village of East Hills, has been working since 2022 to breathe new life into the deteriorating structure. With the NYSCA grant, they can now undertake a critical phase: the repair and replacement of the building’s original slate roof.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul emphasized the broader impact of such investments: “Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity. By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”
NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin added, “These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. We are proud to support the Roslyn Landmark Society and their dedication to preserving New York’s cultural legacy.”
As the Gate Lodge prepares for this next phase of restoration, the Roslyn Landmark Society’s vision of turning the site into a vibrant educational and cultural destination is beginning to take shape, ensuring that Long Island’s Gilded Age legacy endures for generations to come.
