SEE: Restored Concert Grove Pavilion Reopens In Prospect Park

Park Slope NY

08 April, 2021

10:16 AM

Description

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — A historic pavilion in Prospect Park has opened for the first time in seven years after a $2-million restoration project. The Concert Grove Pavilion — found in the southeast corner of Brooklyn's backyard, near the Lakeside — officially reopened with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. The pavilion, used as a venue for events, had been closed since 2014 for structural and water damage. Its reconstruction, led by the Prospect Park Alliance, includes new lighting, reconstructed missing historical details and other repairs through funding from former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the Brooklyn Delegation of the New York City Council. "The Concert Grove Pavilion is a beloved landmark, and has served our community as the location for family reunions, birthday parties and celebrations for generations," said Alliance President and Park Administrator Sue Donoghue. "Thanks to funding from the Brooklyn Delegation, Prospect Park Alliance's team of architects have been able to restore one of Brooklyn's brightest jewels—and we're excited to welcome the community back to enjoy it." The pavilion, first designed by Calvert Vaux in 1874, includes motifs from Hindu, Chinese, Moorish and Egyptian architecture. It was nearly destroyed completely by a fire in 1974 and underwent its last restoration project in 1988. Courtesy of Paul Martinka, Prospect Park Alliance. The most recent restoration brings back several features that were missing from the pavilion, including original colors of the painted wood ceilings and iron columns. The colors were matched through extensive testing and mockups, according to the Alliance. The iron railings and roof finials were also brought back to their former glory by an iron foundry in Alabama, which specializing in historical restoration. After the pieces were sent there by truck, missing elements were recast and damaged pieces were repaired and restored, the Alliance said. Courtesy of Paul Martinka, Prospect Park Alliance The organization also installed a waterproofing system to prevent future water damage. Their Capital Projects Team, who oversaw the restoration, were given an Award for Excellence in Design by the New York City Public Design Commission for the project. Wednesday's reopening also included a new official name for the structure, which was once referred to as the "Oriental Pavilion," according to Council Member Brad Lander. "This park & our City are for everyone. Glad the new name reflects it," he Tweeted from the opening. The pavilion will be available starting this spring for public events. Check out more photos of the pavilion and the ribbon cutting below, Courtesy of Paul Martinka and the Prospect Park Alliance: