DDC Commissioner Tom Foley, Dept. of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo and Louis Armstrong House Museum Executive Director Regina Bain outside Selma’s House. Image Credit: DDC.
On March 6, 2025, the New York City Department of Design and Construction in collaboration with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs announced the City will be undertaking the renovation of “Selma’s House” located at 34-52 107th Street in Corona, Queens. The building is referred to as “Selma’s House” in honor of the bequeaths Selma Heraldo made in 2011 upon her death to the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Since then, the building has served as the museum’s administration building. This $3.5 million project is being managed and funded by the City Department of Design and Construction on behalf of the City Department of Cultural Affairs. The project was design by CTA Architects.
This project will involve the replacement of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems in the building. There will be upgrades to interior offices, meeting rooms, storage and the kitchen. There will be a new indoor ADA-compliant bathroom and outdoor ADA compliant ramp outside, windows, flooring, and doors installed. The building will also be equip with a new fire protection system, new security system, modern lighting, and new communications/IT equipment. The exterior of the building may be restored if determined necessary. The project has an anticipated completion date of summer 2026.
New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Tom Foley said, “Learning the history of the Armstrong family and jazz in Queens through the Museum and its great staff is something every New Yorker should experience. It’s an honor for DDC to enhance the Museum’s campus, which spans 107th Street in the middle of residential Corona, by adding a third fully upgraded and accessible building for education and other activities. We look forward to completing construction later next year and finally fulfilling Selma Heraldo’s vision for her long-time home.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)