Senator Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblyman Reilly Secure Nearly $500,000 in Funding for the Historic Kreischer Mansion
Editor’s note: Staten Island’s history is shared by the Kreischer Mansion and will soon be made open to the public. Another famous mansion is the Billopp House also known as the Conference House, site of the failed peace conference in 1776 before the war. As readers learned from our historical story about Staten Island’s loyalty to the British, the Conference House was confiscated by the state and eventually became a house museum.
STATEN ISLAND, NY – State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblyman Michael Reilly secured nearly $500,000 for the Kreischer Mansion, providing funds for the landmark to maintain its historic structure and preserve a piece of Staten Island’s story. Senator Scarcella-Spanton secured $315,000 and Assemblyman Reilly secured $130,000 for a combined $445,000 from both elected officials.
Built in the late 19th century, the structure was built by German immigrant Balthasar Kreischer for his sons. Its unique American Queen Anne architectural style has made the Kreischer Mansion, also known as the Charles Kreischer House, a distinct Staten Island monument. In 1968, it was recognized as a New York City Designated Landmark, and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The funding will support critical upgrades to the Kreischer Mansion’s infrastructure, ensuring a piece of Staten Island’s history remains protected. It will also be used to open the landmark to the public, expanding its influence across New York and inspiring all who visit.
“I am proud to have secured critical funding to maintain and expand the Kreischer Mansion, a Staten Island landmark that holds much significance to our borough,” said Senator Scarcella-Spanton. “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. 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.”
“The Kreischer Mansion is a treasured part of Staten Island’s history and a symbol of the generations who helped shape our community,” said Assemblyman Michael Reilly. “Investing public funding in its preservation is an investment in our shared heritage, ensuring this remarkable landmark continues to educate, inspire, and serve future generations. This is the kind of thoughtful public investment that strengthens our community while honoring its rich legacy.”
“The Kreischer Mansion is a true Staten Island treasure with deep roots in our borough’s industrial past,” said Senator Andrew Lanza. “I am proud to join my colleagues Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton and Assemblyman Michael Reilly in supporting state funding that will help restore this iconic landmark so it can once again serve our community. I am grateful to Eric Bischoff, Julia Mackie, and the Kreischer Mansion Historical Preservation Society for their dedication to this project.”
“It’s a privilege and an honor to restore the Kreischer house, which became a national landmark in 1982,” said Eric Bischoff, owner of the Kreischer Mansion. “Thank you to Senator Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblyman Reilly for their support for this piece of Staten Island history. With the help of our state representatives, the mansion will now be accessible to the public, and this historical treasure will be an inspiration for all New Yorkers.”
Senator Scarcella-Spanton was appointed as Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs and continues to advocate for legislation that benefits veterans and their families. She is also a member of the Committees on Civil Service and Pensions, Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Disabilities, Insurance, Labor, and Women’s Issues.
Below is the original announcement:
SENATOR SCARCELLA-SPANTON AND ASSEMBLYMAN REILLY ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR THE HISTORIC KREISCHER MANSION
STATEN ISLAND, NY – On Monday, August 3, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblyman Michael Reilly will hold a press conference in regard to key funding secured to support the historic Kreischer Mansion.
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton; Assemblyman Michael Reilly; Eric Bischoff, Owner of the Kreischer Mansion; Julia Mackie, President of the Kreischer Mansion Historical Preservation Society.
4500 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, NY 10309
Monday, August 3 at 10:00 A.M.
Senator Scarcella-Spanton and Kreischer Mansion owners. Image Credit – Sen. Scarcella-Spanton
From left to right: Robert Birkhead, Office of Senator Lanza; Eric Bischoff, Owner of the Kreischer Mansion; Julia Mackie, President of the Kreischer Mansion Historical Preservation Society; Senator Scarcella-Spanton; Assemblyman Reilly. Image Credit – Sen. Scarcella-Spanton
Banner Image: Senator Scarcella-Spanton and Kreischer Mansion owners. Image Credit – Sen. Scarcella-Spanton
