Tourists often ask “what are those ruins on the Boardwalk?” Some locals tell them the crumbling palazzo by the sea is an old bathhouse. The former Childs Restaurant building has been been vacant for so long, between stints as a chocolate factory, a roller rink, and a warehouse, most people have no memory of its glory days.
Last weekend, ATZ took these photos of the 1923 landmark, which is now in hibernation, awaiting restoration as part of a $53 million dollar City project. Terra-cotta fish and seashells and Neptune the god of the sea peek out from above the sidewalk shed and plywood fencing, which was recently installed around the property.
The construction of the shed and fencing and work on the floors are the only permits currently approved by the Department of Buildings. Several other permits are still listed as on hold pending the outcome of a lawsuit by the New York City Community Garden Coalition (NYCCGC) and the Coney Island Boardwalk Community Garden members vs the City and developer iStar Financial. The clerk for Judge Peter Sweeney, who got the case after a prior judge recused himself, told ATZ last week that the judge has not yet made a decision. At a hearing in December, Judge Sweeney asked both sides to submit briefs arguing for or against a jury trial.
“There is a chance that, given his willingness to bring the parkland issue before a jury, he might break up the case along its two issues and rule separately on each,” writes Aziz Dekhan on the NYCCGC’s website.”Or he might wait to rule on either issue until after he or a jury decides on the parkland issue.”
The crux of the suit is the gardeners’ claim the land is public parkland and that the development project is an alienation of parkland without the required approval of the state legislature. In December 2013, the garden was razed without warning to make way for construction of the seating area for the amphitheater, which was initially expected to open in June 2015.
ATZ previously wrote about the project when it was under consideration (Clock Ticking on Plan for the Landmark Childs Building, September 25, 2013) and after the razing of the garden (Pre-Dawn Bulldozing of Coney Island Community Garden, December 29, 2013).
Designated a landmark nearly twelve years ago, on February 4, 2003, the building operated as a restaurant until the early 1950s. Childs was one of the largest restaurant chains in the country with 107 restaurants in 33 cities in the U.S. and Canada by the 1920s, but it was not a formula business. According to the Landmarks Preservation Commission report, the Boardwalk restaurant was designed specifically for Coney Island “in a fanciful resort style combining elements of the Spanish Colonial Revival with numerous maritime allusions that refer to its seaside location.”
UPDATE December 12, 2015:
What is going on here? The Boardwalk Community Garden lawsuit is on its third judge with no end in sight! On Monday morn, NYCCGC in court again vs the City and iStar.
Related posts on ATZ…
January 29, 2015: Coney Island 2015: Subway Cafe, Sushi Lounge, IHOP, Checkers, Johnny Rockets
January 19, 2015: An Historic First As Elected Officials Join Community’s Fight to Save Coney Island Boardwalk
December 20, 2014: Save the Boardwalk for Future Gens! Sign Brooklyn Pols Petition to Make it ‘Scenic Landmark’
September 13, 2013: Coney Island Always: Visiting the Big CI Year-Round
Last judge last summer ruled that construction of the Amphitheater would not be held up while the lawsuit is being considered. I assume that’s why construction fences are up now.
Nevertheless, the only permits that weren’t disapproved since then were in October for the shed and fencing and in December for work on the floors. The permits for the construction of the amphitheater, paving and other work are still listed as disapproved by DOB
This post is a snapshot of what is happening now, which is not much. Perhaps they’re waiting till spring. I hope the case is settled amicably and restoration of the landmark is no longer in limbo.
I personally don’t see how removing an entire all can be considered “Restoration”. I was in the art conservation business for 30 years, and I’ve never seen a piece of art restored by destroying it; the goal was always to keep as much of the original as possible.
Well the plan was approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Of course that’s the same LPC that doesn’t consider the boardwalk worthy of scenic landmark designation. Still, in the plan’s favor, I’d point out that wall is brick and doesn’t not have any of the architectural detailing of the other side of the building, which is why if they are going to open up the wall it had to be this side
When the city threatened to destroy my communities park to build the potato chip amphitheater, plenty or residents from the west end spoke up at the CB 13 meeting to support my communities fight.
Now their quality of life is threatened, and I support their opposition to the project.
Remember, CB 13 voted down the project, and CB 13 is the voice of the community.
The city and the community need to start thinking outside the box to preserve the exterior architecture of the Childs Building. The amphitheater project going forward or not shouldn’t be connected to the restoration being done or not.