Restoration & Construction

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Attention Museum Visitors: See our Plan Your Visit page for up-to-date information about how these projects may impact your visit.

Current & Upcoming Projects

Chimneys, Parapets, and Roof Railings Repair and Restoration [Upcoming]

Urgent repairs are needed for the historic mansion’s chimneys and parapets to mitigate risks to public safety and to protect the mansion from water damage. This project was awarded a major grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (SHPO) through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993. Funds have also been provided by the Georgia P. Gosnell Charitable Trust, and individual donors.

Garden Structure Restoration [Through 2027]

Gardens were important to George Eastman’s estate as a place to relax and entertain and as a backdrop for promotional photography to market Eastman Kodak products. Today, the gardens are a key part of the museum visitors’ experience and areas for quiet enjoyment by community members.

Eastman’s landscape architect, Alling Stephen DeForest, provided the overall landscape design and collaborated with J. Foster Warner who designed the pergola, located in the Schuyler C. Townson Terrace Garden, and the grape arbor, located near University Avenue. Both garden structures were built in 1905. In 1916 Eastman commissioned architect Claude Bragdon to design both the Loggia and the West Garden.

For over 100 years these structures were exposed to variable and often harsh weather conditions from exposure to Rochester’s freeze/thaw cycle. A condition survey by Bero Architecture, PLLC prioritized structural repairs and restoration of these historic garden structures to prevent further deterioration and damage. Severe deterioration occurred from exposure to Rochester’s freeze/thaw cycle. The structural stability of both the grape arbor and pergola were compromised from extensive and severe wood rot. In 2022 the pergola was restored and in 2026 the grape arbor was restored. 

The Loggia, which will soon be restored, requires roof replacement, extensive ceiling work, and masonry repointing to prevent water infiltration and to protect the structure.

An important part of the overall Garden Structure Restoration Project is the addition of accessibility improvements to each garden to create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors, while preserving the historic character of the gardens and garden structures.

Pergola Restoration (completed in 2022)

Project planning began in 2019 with a restoration assessment by Bero Architecture, a structural assessment by Jensen/BRV Engineering, PLLC, and a drainage assessment by Postler & Jaeckle Corporation. Construction was completed by UDN, Inc. The restoration was completed in June 2022 and included the following work:

• Upon project startup, Landscape staff removed all of the bricks from the uneven pathways for cleaning and safe storage. Staff also cut back all of the historic, large wisteria vines.
• The wood trellis roof of the Pergola was completely removed.
• The ground surrounding the Lily Pool was regraded.
• A steel roof support system was temporarily put in place to stabilize the Pergola structure while the columns and balustrade were removed for restoration. The columns were cleaned and repaired and the balustrade was disassembled and repaired.
• New rafters and lattice were installed to form the roof of the structure.
• All of the bricks were reset and the brick pathways were regraded to less than a 5% slope to allow safe accessibility for all visitors.
• Energy efficient LED lighting was installed.

Once construction was completed, the ancient wisteria vines were returned to their upright positions along the pergola. With the support of our invaluable garden volunteers working alongside Landscape staff, the garden beds were replanted. The Schuyler C. Townson Terrace Garden and restored pergola officially reopened to the public in June 2022.

The pergola restoration was funded in part by a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993. We are grateful to an anonymous donor who contributed $50,000 to support restoration of the pergola. We also thank several other individuals who have generously donated to this project.

Dawn’s Rock Garden - Grape Arbor Restoration (Completed in 2026)

Located near the University Avenue side of George Eastman’s former estate, the newly restored Dawn’s Rock Garden is now more visible and inviting since the removal of the fence along University Avenue in April 2026.

The focus of the project was the restoration of the grape arbor, designed by architect J. Foster Warner and a key feature of landscape architect Alling Stephen DeForest’s original design of the Rock Garden. The grape arbor had endured more than a century of freeze-thaw cycles, with years of exposure causing severe deterioration and extensive wood rot, which compromised the arbor’s structural stability and made repairs urgently necessary.

The museum engaged Bero Architecture, PLLC to provide a restoration assessment and to design the grape arbor restoration and accessibility improvements.  A structural assessment by Jensen/BRV Engineering, PLLC also informed the project. Pike Construction Services was competitively selected as the general contractor.

Site preparation required contractors to set up a chain link fence around the Rock Garden to protect community members from accidentally venturing into the construction site. Landscape staff carefully lifted the historic grape vines onto temporary scaffolding for their protection during construction.

Restoration work included:

• Disassembly and removal of the wood columns that support the structure so that they could be taken off-site for repair and restoration. This required temporary structural supports to be put in place.
• All wood elements were scraped, primed and painted.
• New sheet metal caps were installed on the roof beams.

Accessibility improvements included the removal of all of the brick pavers that led to and through the grape arbor. A new concrete base was poured to provide a durable foundation, and the brick pavers were reset on top. A portion of grass and asphalt driveway was also removed to allow for curb cuts so that wheelchair users may safely navigate across the driveway and into Dawn’s Rock Garden. All accessibility improvements are ADA compliant.

This project, entailing an investment of more than $1 million, was funded in part by a $500,000 grant administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993. Support was also generously provided by Bruce B. Bates, Dr. Dawn F. Lipson, the Davenport-Hatch Foundation, Linda and John Buttrill, Lindsay and John Garrett, the Rochester Area Community Foundation, the Rochester Garden Club, the Eastman Museum Council, 7Crest Financial Partners, the Allyn’s Creek Garden Club, and other individuals.

 Rehabilitation of the Loggia and West Garden (To commence October 2026)

Designed by architect Claude Bragdon in 1916, the West Garden is adjacent to the porte cochere. The loggia and West Garden are a popular location for weddings and special event photography.

The project will provide necessary restoration to the historic loggia and will create significant accessibility improvements to the West Garden.

Loggia roof: The integrity of the loggia roof has been compromised by water ponding, and degradation of roofing membranes and flashings. Moisture has severely penetrated the masonry perimeter of the roof. During restoration the existing roof will be removed and replaced with a 3-ply modified bitumen roofing system with flood coat and gravel and a flat-seam copper entablature roof. The addition of copper scupper flashings will prevent water pooling on the roof.

Loggia ceiling and wall: The plaster ceiling has begun to deteriorate from moisture that has penetrated through the roof. Moisture stains and numerous visible ceiling cracks indicate a failing bond between the plaster and substrate. Restoration will replace the entire plaster wall and ceiling.

Accessibility improvements: The West Garden can now be accessed by stepping down four stone steps at one of several locations. This is not possible for users of wheelchairs or walkers, and it is challenging for others with limited mobility. As a temporary solution, the museum sets up a portable aluminum ramp to accommodate guests with limited mobility, but this ramp adversely affects the aesthetics and historical integrity of the garden. Construction of a gently sloped concrete walkway and landing will create a fully accessible, safe pathway into the West Garden so that all community members and visitors may independently access and enjoy this historic garden.

 This project is funded in part by a grant administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993.

How You Can Help

The Eastman Museum is grateful for donations of all sizes. Your Annual Fund support helps us with daily museum operations and forms a strong foundation that allows us to undertake critical restoration and capital projects.

To make a fully tax-deductible gift to the George Eastman Museum Annual Fund:

• Donate online here;
• Call (585) 327-4861; or
• Mail a check made out to “George Eastman Museum” to:
  • George Eastman Museum
  • Attn: Annual Fund
  • 900 East Avenue
  • Rochester, NY 14607

Recent Projects

The Thomas Tischer Visitor Center [Completed October 2020]

The George Eastman Museum embarked on a major construction project to relocate and redesign the main entrance. The new entrance and visitor center is more convenient, visible, welcoming, and accessible for guests.

Learn More

The Bruce B. Bates Colonnade Restoration [Completed June 2021]

The George Eastman Museum completed restoration of the Colonnade, the interior route between the galleries and mansion, to provide essential structural repairs and a more hospitable experience.

Learn More

Ross Property Copper Beech Tree [Removed March 2022]

It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to the Ross Property Copper Beech tree. Learn more about the history of the tree and what we'll be planting next.

Learn More