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DNAinfo reports that a group of local neighbors have formed the Friends of the Steinway Mansion, who plan to work together to find a buyer for the landmarked house (18-33 41st St – GMAP), with hopes that it will become a museum or a cultural center. The 27-room Italianate style house was the home of the Steinway family back in the 19th century until about 1925, and it was declared a New York City landmark in 1967. It’s been for sale for years, priced at dropped to $2.995 million last year. As we can personally attest, too, it’s amazing inside and out.

People have voiced support for the mansion being turned into a museum, cultural center, or music conservatory, but no one has put together an organized group to find a future for the property until now. Members of the Friends of the Steinway Mansion include Assemblywomen Margaret Markey, Astoria Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, the Long Island City-based Artisans Guild of America, and Steinway and Sons, whose factory is not far from the mansion. The Greater Astoria Historical Society also has involvement in the group.

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Bob Singleton, head of the head of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, says “The Steinway Mansion is indeed a place of significance, and should be saved for the benefit of future generations.” The GAHS put together a fascinating video that shows photos of the Steinway family from the 1880s in various parts of the property, fading into photos of the same locations as they are today.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox-Oy4OLc34]

Steinway” is probably one of the most recognizable names to come out of Astoria – there’s the Steinway Piano factory (and yes, you can tour the factory – it’s excellent), then there’s the Steinway Branch of the Queens Library, and of course Steinway Street, home to many excellent restaurants.

New Coalition Looks to Turn Astoria’s Steinway Mansion into Museum [DNAinfo]
Asking price lowered for historic Steinway Mansion in Astoria [NYDN]
Steinway Village: How pianos shaped the history of Astoria
How to tour the Steinway & Sons factory in Astoria


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