Preservation project to restore historic Weeksville houses in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) – Every neighborhood has a story. Weeksville in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, dates to before the Civil War and represents the city’s black history.

A special preservation effort is beginning on the exterior of free African-Americans’ houses.

It was founded in 1838 and is known as one of the country’s first and oldest free black communities.

Angelina Whitaker is the tenant president at Kingsborough Houses across the street.

“It’s a connection to the past, definitely is. The beauty of the place, I’m so thankful,” she said.

Tours inside offer a look at life and times. The outside of the remaining structures need work.

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Department of Design and Construction have begun a $3.9 million restoration project for the historic Hunterfly Road Houses at the center.

“Weeksville Heritage Center tells such an important story in our city’s history and preserves the legacy of Black talent and community that have been so integral to the fabric of New York across generations,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo.

The new project will restore the exteriors of the landmark houses, which were built in the 1800s. Upgrades also include a climate-controlled cellar, outdoor lights, and other improvements at the largest African American cultural institution in Brooklyn.

“These houses embody the distinct history of freedom and self-determination that the founders of Weeksville used to build this community. Today we honor the people and effort it took to build and then preserve these houses while we also look forward to the future of Weeksville Heritage Center and our community,” said Dr. Raymond Codrington, President and CEO of Weeksville Heritage Center.

Weeksville was named after James Weeks, a former slave from Virginia who purchased the land in 1838.

After slavery was abolished in New York State in 1827, the town was a thriving community for African Americans from all over the East Coast.

The city designated the houses as landmarks in 1970 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The houses are the only African American historic site in the Northeast on its original property.

Work is expected to be completed by spring 2026, and tours will resume.

Families lived on the grounds through the 1960s, when the initial preservation process began.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.