James Renwick Jr.'s 1856 Gothic Revival smallpox hospital at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island is New York City's only landmarked ruin, abandoned since the 1950s. Multi-million-dollar stabilization work has secured the granite shell, which stands dramatically illuminated at night beside Four Freedoms State Park. The ruin is fenced off and viewed legally from adjacent walkways; interior access remains closed pending completion of preservation work. The north wing partially collapsed in 2007, so the fence line is there for a reason — the masonry is genuinely unstable.
Vestige documents abandoned & historic places for education and preservation. Always obtain permission before visiting and follow local law.