Renwick Ruin
How Preservation and Storytelling can Highlight Unique New York City Histories
The Renwick Ruin was originally built in 1856 — on the southern end of Roosevelt Island — as part of a series of prisons and hospitals constructed on the island during that time. Designed by architect James Renwick Jr as our nation's first hospital dedicated to the treatment of smallpox — the remnant structure is breathtaking in its abandonment, and stands as our city’s only landmarked ruin.
As the ruin continues to slowly deteriorate, efforts to stabilize the structure and increase public access highlight the importance of preserving this rare piece of New York City History.
Unforgotten Films (S1:E4)
Location: Roosevelt Island (New York NY)
Duration: 4:42 (minutes)
Release: June 14, 2021
Featuring
Susan Rosenthal (Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation)
Stephen Martin (Friends of the Ruin)
Judith Berdy (Roosevelt Island Historical Society)
Stacy Horn (Author)
Special Thanks
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC)
Friends of the Ruin & Four Freedoms Park Conservancy
Funding Support
Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC)
New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA)
Project Team
Aaron Asis (Creator & Producer)
Jett Cain and Chalalai Fischbach (Video & Editing)
Untapped New York (Media & Distribution)