Room Selection
Select a room at the Block House:
On this page, you can view the available rooms at the Block House. Please select a room from the drop-down menu to the left, and pay the $1,000 non-refundable deposit to secure your room. The deposit will be applied towards the total Room Fee.
Room Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you select a room from the drop down menu, and the button shows “Out of Stock,” this means the room has already been selected by another Fellow.
Room Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you select a room from the drop down menu, and the button shows “Out of Stock,” this means the room has already been selected by another Fellow.
Block House Plans
Bedroom 1
Upper Level$2,700 Room Fee
- 135 sq feet
- North-East light
- Tall ceiling height
- Medium closet
- Close proximity to kitchen
Bedroom 3
Upper Level$3,000 Room Fee
- 215 sq feet (20 sq meters)
- North-East light
- Tall ceiling height
- Closest to bathroom on floor
- Large closet
Bedroom 4
Lower Level$2,900 Room Fee
- 260 sq feet (24 sq meters)
- North-West light
- Corner location
- Closest to upstairs access
- Large closet
- Quieter/less foot traffic
Bedroom 5
Lower Level$2,750 Room Fee
- 145 sq feet (13.5 sq meters)
- South-West light
- Close to upstairs access
- Medium closet
- Quieter/less foot traffic
Bedroom 6
Lower Level$2,850 Room Fee
- 220 sq feet (20.5 sq meters)
- North-East light
- Largest closet in the house
- Closest to bathroom on floor
- Quieter/less foot traffic
Bedroom 7
Lower Level$2,750 Room Fee
- 140 sq feet (13 sq meters)
- North-East light
- Medium closet
- Quieter/less foot traffic
Bedroom 8
Lower LevelGuest Room
About the Block House
The Block House, also known as Building 9, is a landmarked Greek Revival building designed in the 1840s by architect Martin E. Thompson. During the decades during which Governors Island was a U.S. military base, the Block House served as a General’s headquarters, Officers’ quarters and hospital. The Block House contributes to the vibrant, culturally diverse and verdant Nolan Park and is one of the oldest structures on the Island.
The IPA has restored and equipped two of the three stories in the Block House to support residencies, exhibits and other programs. At the Block House you will find:
The IPA has restored and equipped two of the three stories in the Block House to support residencies, exhibits and other programs. At the Block House you will find:
- A library containing publications and periodicals on art, architecture, urban planning and more.
- A studio with deciated desks and storage for each Fellow.
- The only fully-equipped and functioning residential kitchen on Governors Island and accompanying dining room.
- 8 bedrooms with individual climate control, supplied with a full (double) bed, pillows and sheets, a desk and chair, lockable cabinet and storage space for overnight programs.
- 4 full bathrooms and in-house laundry with washer and dryer.
- A large multi-purpose space on the lower level, often used for fabrication and assembly of various projects.
- A cozy front stoop, perfect for sipping cold drinks and conversation.
- Expansive outdoor space right outside our front door, with many trees, shade, chairs and picnic tables.
The Block House is currently the only building on Governors Island that supports short-term overnight accommodations for cultural and academic purposes. As such, Fellows in our overnight programs will enjoy exclusive access to the Island beyond its regular operating hours. IPA Fellows are encouraged to take advantage of the many events, exhibitions, lectures, sports competitions, workshops and festivals throughout the Summer on the Island (some as close as the Block House front yard).
Governors Island is a 172-acre Island in the heart of New York Harbor. Just minutes from Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront by ferry, the Island is a popular destination open to visitors year-round. An award-winning park complements the Island’s historic buildings, educational and cultural facilities, rich arts and culture programs, and 22-acre National Monument. The Island features expansive open space, playgrounds, several dining and food-truck options, historic sites, trails, kayak and bicycle rentals, an urban farm, athletic fields, birdwatching, and sweeping views of the New York and New Jersey skylines.
The original plans of the Block House when it served as a post hospital.