Zoom Lecture: Restoration Cornelius Van Wyck House
September 24, 2025
On Wednesday September 24th, 2025, Zaskorski & Associates Architects presented a Zoom lecture about the restoration of the historic Cornelius Van Wyck House, located in Douglaston Manor, Queens. Overlooking Little Neck Bay, it was designated as a landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Built in the early 18th century, the Cornelius Van Wyck House is one of the few remaining examples of Dutch colonial-era architecture in Queens. Its significance lies both in its architectural design and its connection to the early history of New York City. The Van Wyck family, prominent in the area’s development, originally constructed the house as a rural estate fronting Little Neck Bay, where trade with native peoples took place.
The house was later owned by the Douglas family, who in 1840 converted it to the entrance lodge or gate house for their English-village-inspired housing development known as “Douglas Estate” which catered to “wealthy individuals looking for a suburban retreat from the city”. The area would later be called Douglaston Manor and the house became the community’s club house in 1907. Once the club outgrew the house, in 1915, and relocated to the main manor house nearby; it once again would be used for a residence beginning circa 1920. A 1924 magazine article details the first restoration for its new owner Edward N. Wicht by architect Frank J. Forster. Upon Mr. Wicht’s death in 1936, the Larsen family took possession and continued to live in the home until the current owner acquired it in 2017.
Over the years, the Cornelius Van Wyck House has remained a symbol of the neighborhood’s heritage. The restoration of the Cornelius Van Wyck House has had a profound impact on the Douglaston community.
By preserving a significant piece of the neighborhood’s heritage, the project has revitalized not only the building but also the community’s sense of pride and connection to its history. The house, once deteriorating, now serves as a beacon of historic preservation and stands as a beautiful, restored asset within the neighborhood.
This restoration has also set a precedent for future preservation efforts in the area. The Cornelius Van Wyck House, now standing strong and visually captivating, encourages further investment in maintaining Queens’ rich architectural history. It serves as an educational resource, inspiring community members to appreciate the importance of preserving historical landmarks for future generations.
Carlo Zaskorski, along with Jason Gross and Jason Galindo briefed us on the restoration project which aimed to restore the house to its original dignity while addressing the structural and aesthetic issues that had developed over time. The restoration was executed with approvals from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to ensure all modifications adhered to landmark preservation guidelines.
Click here to view the recording of the lecture.