Behind the scaffolding now surrounding Yonkers City Hall is a project focused on preserving history. City officials have launched a major restoration of the century-old landmark, repairing deteriorating masonry and protecting one of Yonkers’ defining architectural treasures.
Mayor Mike Spano announced the project in late May, saying the restoration will preserve the building’s exterior while improving safety for employees, residents, and visitors. Scaffolding and protective mesh will surround City Hall through the end of 2026 as crews restore the building’s parapet, the protective wall along the roofline, and other architectural features, the city says.
“City Hall is one of Yonkers’ most recognizable and historic buildings, and these renovations are an important investment in preserving it for future generations,” Spano says. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete this important restoration project.”
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The Restoration Plan
The project stems from a 2024 inspection that identified deterioration in the building’s parapets. As an initial safety measure, the city installed heavy-duty fiberglass netting to protect against the possibility of falling masonry while officials developed a long-term restoration plan in coordination with the New York State Historic Preservation Office.
“After identifying areas of deterioration, our City Engineering Department worked carefully to develop a restoration plan that both protects the public and preserves the historic character of City Hall,” city engineer Paul Summerfield says.
A Defining Landmark
Designed by architect H. Lansing Quick of E.A. Quick and Son in 1907, Yonkers City Hall is one of the city’s defining landmarks. The Beaux-Arts building features a 164-foot domed clock tower, steel trusses and poured concrete beams, along with sweeping views of the Hudson River and Getty Square. The building officially opened in 1912 and was designated a Yonkers landmark in 2012.
Despite the construction, City Hall remains open throughout the project. The restoration comes as another nearby project is set to improve views of City Hall. Spano recently announced plans to demolish the building located at 87 Nepperhan Ave., which has housed several city departments, most recently the Parking Violations Bureau.
According to Spano, the building has obstructed the view of City Hall for years. After determining it could not be repaired in a cost-effective manner, the city has decided to remove it in the near future and leave the lot empty. Once complete, the project will create a more welcoming approach to City Hall while adding new public green space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
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