UPDATE from the FIELD
As reported by Cristiana P.
As reported by Cristiana P.
Central Park’s iconic Loeb Boathouse was recently in the market for an outdoor bar redesign. Suburban mall kiosks and beach-front rest stations need not apply!
The Design Commission on Monday morning reviewed a proposal for a newly designed bar adjacent the Boathouse, and LW! was there. Following a presentation of the project by representatives of both the Parks Department and the project architect, we presented our testimony. Cosmetic quick-fixes are not the answer, we argued, when the fundamental design is inappropriate. The Commissioners picked up on this same point and offered critique on the tear drop-shaped design. For a rundown (and more LW! notes) visit A Walk in the Park blog.
As we commented to A Walk in the Park: “LANDMARK WEST! is incredibly pleased that the Design Commission took a strong stand on this application, especially after it passed through a number of other stages of public review with far less criticism. This was a prime example of money and the desire to generate revenue–not design integrity–being the driving force behind park projects. What we get, of course, is an outrageous, flamboyant design that belongs anywhere but in a Scenic Landmark like Central Park. The Design Commission picked up on this precisely, and we think it’s terrific.”
Our design review committee first reviewed this proposal in September, when it appeared before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (click here for a copy of our statement). And we’ll continue to monitor agency agendas for its resurfacing. As always, stay tuned!