Ruby's Bar's rendering for their new store on the Boardwalk. Photo via AmusingtheZillion.com
The rides, games and fun food at Coney Island’s Boardwalk amusement parks–Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Luna Park and Scream Zone– will of course be back in 2012. There will also be new–and possibly a few old made new–restaurants, shops and amusements. At Friday’s AIA panel on “Planning the Future of Coney Island’s Amusement District,” an audience of architects and Coney Island regulars got a sneak peek at what the Boardwalk might look like in 2012 and beyond.
Luna Park’s plans for Go Karts and a Sky Coaster on Stillwell Avenue West were unveiled along with the Boardwalk businesses renderings for new stores in 2012. We can also look forward to the B & B Carousell, set to spin in the new Steeplechase Plaza in 2013, and the New York Aquarium’s Ocean Wonders shark exhibit, expected to open in 2015.
“The skyline is growing in Coney Island and we’re very excited to see what happens next,” said Nate Bliss, president of the Coney Island Development Corporation. The panel discussion about new architectural projects was hosted by AIA NY’s Architectural Tourism Committee.
Speed Zone will be on Parcel C, on the west side of Stillwell Ave at the Boardwalk. Photo via AmusingtheZillion.com
Valerio Ferrari, president of Zamperla USA and their park division, Central Amusement International (CAI), which runs Luna Park, showed the Boardwalk businesses’ renderings for their new stores. Among the businesses are Boardwalk favorites Ruby’s Bar and Paul’s Daughter, whose return is not yet 100 per cent certain because they are still in lease negotiations with CAI. (Update: December 9, 2011…Ruby’s, Paul’s Daughter and Lola Star have signed 8-year leases!) Ferrari also showed his company’s plans for “Parcel C,” the third City-owned parcel that is part of the amusement operator’s 10-year lease. Speed Zone, as it called in the rendering presented by Zamperla, will be across the avenue from Scream Zone. (Update: Zamperla has since shelved the idea of creating a separate park called “Speed Zone.” The two new rides will instead operate as part of Scream Zone.)
A Sky Coaster is a high thrill ride combining elements of skydiving and hang-gliding in which riders are winched to the top of a 100 to 300 foot tall launch tower and then swing through the sky as they drop towards the ground. Each “flight” lasts about five minutes. Manufactured by SkyCoaster Inc., the ride is a popular attraction at over 75 parks around the world. Here’s their official video.
As ATZ reported last month, CAI filed plans to bring Go Karts and a water ride to Stillwell Avenue West. Go Karts were a popular attraction in Coney Island until Thor Equities bought the property leased by Batting Range and Go Kart City in 2006 and evicted them. Though the water ride was not mentioned at Friday’s presentation, we previously reported the Coney Island Rumor Mill is saying the Reverchon flume will be moved from Luna Park to free up space for new rides in the park. (Update: The water ride will stay put in Luna Park this season.)
According to CAI’s contract with the City, the amusement operator is required to do an annual review of each of their rides for popularity and present the City with an updated ride selection and layout for the coming season by December 31st. “This will assist Tenant in keeping the leased Premises innovative and fresh,” the contract says. CAI’s original plan for Parcel C in the contract was for two Go Kart tracks, so the current plan is a more diverse mix of amusements.
Beach Shop's rendering for their new store on the Boardwalk. The location is the former Coney Island Souvenir Shop. Photo via AmusingtheZillion.com
Coney Island Beach Shop, which sells T-shirts, beach gear and souvenirs year-round at their original location on Stillwell Avenue behind Nathan’s, opened a new shop in Stillwell Terminal this summer. In 2012, the Haddad family, Haim and his daughter Maya, is expected to open their third location on the Boardwalk. Called Brooklyn Beach Shop, the store will occupy the former Coney Island Souvenir Shop. It’s a prime location situated between the entrance to Scream Zone and Ruby’s Bar. All of the stores on the Boardwalk were required to design elaborate lighted signage. The rendering for Beach Shop’s dazzling marquee shows a Steeplechase Funny Face and a classic bare bulb sign spelling out their name.
Nathan's rendering for their new store on the Boardwalk. The location is the former Gyro Corner Clam Bar at W 12th St. Photo via AmusingtheZillion.com
Nathan’s Famous will open a huge new restaurant at the corner of West 12th on the Boardwalk at Gyro Corner Clam Bar’s former location. Their satellite restaurant at the corner of Stillwell on the Boardwalk will close. As ATZ reported earlier this month, Randazzo’s Clam Bar of Sheepshead Bay is eyeing Cha Cha’s location. The Randazzo family-owned and operated restaurant began in 1908 and is a perennial “Best” among New York City seafood restaurants. Nathan’s began as a nickel hot dog stand in Coney Island in 1916 and is of course named after Nathan Handwerker, who co-founded the restaurant with his wife Ida.
UPDATE December 12, 2011…Tom’s Restaurant, a popular family-owned Prospect Heights eatery founded in 1936, edged out Randazzo’s for the space formerly occupied by Cha Cha’s and Nathan’s. Tom’s of Coney Island expects to open in April 2012 this summer.
Lola Star Boutique: Design for Lighted Sign. Photo courtesy Lola Star
Lola Star Boutique is expected to stay in its skinny and chic little shop on the Boardwalk. That’s good news because Lola Star owner Dianna Carlin got evicted twice by Joe Sitt and was able to return to her original Boardwalk location only after the City bought the property and offered her the space. Carlin is an entrepreneurial spirit whose successful projects include the Dreamland Roller Rink, a shop in Stillwell Terminal and a pop-up shop in SoHo. We missed getting a good photo of her rendering at the AIA, so we asked Lola to send us a jpeg of the lighted sign for the shop. “The new version is even MORE spectacular!,” says Carlin. “It’s a Lola Star pinup on Rollerskates rotating on a gigantic disco ball.”
The rendering for Paul’s Daughter, a Boardwalk icon founded in 1962 as Gregory & Paul’s, shows the spruced up Burger statues on the roof and what appears to be new hand-painted signage along the bottom. Like Ruby’s, Paul’s Daughter is still in lease negotiations with Zamperla. The restaurant is the subject of Sunday’s post “The End of Paul’s Daughter As We Know It–Will They Return?” (ATZ, November 12, 2011).
UPDATE December 9, 2011…We’re thrilled to report that this afternoon, Tina Georgoulakos of Paul’s Daughter signed an 8-year lease for her family’s restaurant on the Coney Island Boardwalk! “Paul’s Daughter Signs 8-Year Lease for Coney Island Boardwalk” ATZ, December 9, 2011. All of the above-mentioned stores, including locally-owned businesses Ruby’s Bar and Lola Star Boutique, have now signed leases for their Boardwalk locations. Happily, the Coney Island Boardwalk will not be gentrified and corporatized after all!
Architectural rendering for the new Paul's Daughter shown at November 11 Coney Island Panel at AIA. Photo via Amusing the Zillion
Related posts on ATZ…
May 29, 2012: Photo Album: Coney Island Lights & Signs of the Times
March 14, 2012: Coney Entrepreneurs to Open 1st Ever Nathan’s Gift Shop
March 9, 2012: The 10 People Who Will Decide the Fate of Coney Island Boardwalk
October 20, 2011: Reversal of Fortune on the Coney Island Boardwalk
Amusing the Zillion 
Just great! And the historic amusement component we refer to as “Steeplechase Park” is going…where, exactly?
Richard, I just don’t think rebuilding or recreating Steeplechase Pavilion of Fun or Park is part of this administration’s frame of reference. Check out the first two “guiding principles” of the Coney Island Amusement Advisory Panel from 2009. This is from the EDC’s press release at the time. The panelists included Valerio Ferrari of Zamperla and CEOs of Ripley, Premier Rides, Moreys Piers and others who later applied for the RFP:
“Leverage Coney Island’s Brand and its Unique Natural and Historical Assets. The ocean, the beach, the Boardwalk and access to the City’s transit system are Coney Island’s greatest assets and draws to visitors. The redevelopment of Coney Island presents an opportunity to create a unique, 21st Century urban seaside amusement park.
“Honor and Celebrate Coney Island’s History; But Don’t Get Overly Nostalgic. There is no need for a themed park at Coney Island; the site contains enough history that it doesn’t need to be “Disney-fied.” But while honoring and celebrating Coney Island’s history, the plan shouldn’t “get stuck” on preserving the artifacts. Planning and design should focus on enhancing visitors’ experience.”
http://www.blooloop.com/PressReleases/Amusement-Advisory-Panel-Announces-Recommendations-for-Amusement-Park-Development-in-Coney-Island/1473
There is no need for a themed park at Coney Island; the site contains enough history that it doesn’t need to be “Disney-fied.”
Uhh… the site DID at one time contain plenty of history. It’s getting a wee bit hard to find. I certainly wouldn’t want it to be Disney-fied, whatever they think that means, but whomever claims there is “no need for a themed park” in C. I. is simply being self-serving. How about one called “Luna”? Or one based on the popular theme of “screaming”?
Shall we discuss what there is or is not “need” for on the parcels directly South of Surf Avenue?
Oh, this is SO much fun!
Disney is not the enemy. They are not interested in the small parcel of land here in Coney that could be available to them.
I think some people hear Disney, they think Fantasyland attractions. How about Test Track? Tower of Terror? Mission Space? etc.
Except for using the name Luna Park and the signage, what history of Coney Island does Zamperla/CAI represent? They refuse to fix the iconic Astrotower. They will let it rot till it needs to be taken down.
Disneyfication has so many meanings and not always about Disney. I thought what the panelists meant was don’t create a replica of the historic amusement rides and parks. How could you anyway? The Human Pool Table would be a great art project, but would be a liability insurance nightmare..I would like to see them build a new Tornado though!
The phrases that stand out for me in the panelists recommendations are “create a unique, 21st Century urban seaside amusement park” and “Honor and Celebrate Coney Island’s History; But Don’t Get Overly Nostalgic.” Luna Park’s fabulous gate, their pinwheel and moon logo and a ride renamed the Tickler because it evolved from the original are pretty much the extent of the Luna theming. Like everyone else in Coney, Luna has also come up with a version of Steeplechase Funny Face as a logo. It’s a mashup
Hi Tricia – Another excellent article. I thought the meeting was very interesting and believe Nathan’s, The Beach Shop and Randazzo’s (if they sign) can be year round anchors. I have big questions on what is taking so long on Ruby’s and Paul’s Daughter leases? Are there real negotiations going on, or is this just some kind of delay tactic to get other bidders involved? Very strange.
Also what is slated for the space that Steve’s Grill House had occupied? I heard Atomic Wings rumors last year but never heard anything since.
Thanks! Your posts covering this issue are amazing.
The idea of “year-round anchors” is absurd. Coney is s beach resort.
If “year -round” is so desired (revenuerevenuerevenuerevenue),
how about a Polar Bear Club Lounge, featuring ice water foot baths, salt water granita and an “open window” policy?
Disney-fication (for those that might be confused by the term) refers to a
location that has been scrubbed-clean and turned into a stage set imitation of itself. No lumps, no bumps, what is considered safe by committee decision—bland and all ready for middle-class consumption.The term has nothing to do with Disney buying land in Coney.
Nathan’s. The Beach Shop, and Randazzo’s all already have sucessful year round history in South Brooklyn waterfront neighborhoods. It’s a smart strategy. I have a ton of confidence in the CIDC to meet their mission.
Does anyone know what happened to the fabulous shooting gallery on Surf Ave, near the Luna Park entrance, that has unfortunately become yet another crappy fast-food joint. We cannot continue losing the last few great gems of Coney’s history. I think it was located at W.10 St. It had the piano player, the giant standing bear, bottles, and little squirrel targets on the ground.
I hope it is stored away for a second life.
Merryl Kafka
Merryl, I have been looking into this and will let you know!
Muscle13, the 3 businesses you mention are not on a beach facing the bitter Atlantic winter winds. Surf Avenue and Sheepshead Bay are not facing the open ocean. There’s a reason people don’t go to the BOARDWALK in the dead of the winter – because it’s frickin’ cold and dreary! Part of Coney’s magic is that it’s only around for a limited time each year.
Katrink – Brighton Beach Boardwalk restaurants – year round. Randazzo’s and the rest of Emmons Ave restaurants- right on the waterfront year round. All very successful
The reason people don’t go to the Coney boardwalk during the winter is not because it is cold. It is because there is nothing open to go to. I have confidence that the CIDC will live up to its mission statement and build Coney into a year round destination. The neighborhood certainly needs a year round economy which it just doesn’t have. Unemployment, crime, it’s really tough. But things can change. The CIDC has to take responsibility to cause change. I have confidence in them. It’s so very important.
In my opinion it is the future beachfront residential, which Taconic has valued at $300-$900 per square foot, that is driving the City’s plan to gentrify the Boardwalk and make it into a year-round destination with upscale restaurants and bars. The idea is to make the place more attractive to future condo buyers.
The rezoning plan approved by the City Council in 2009 put 26 high rise residential towers and 5,000 new units of housing in Coney Island, including beachfront condos on Taconic Investment Partners 5.5 blocks of vacant land just west of MCU Park (West 20th Street) formerly zoned for amusements.
If you look at the City’s rendering, the cluster of apartment towers is in the far left, next to the Parachute Jump and MCU Park. They can use the slogan “Take me home to the ballgame” to sell ’em. Here is a detail. It looks like Manhattan:
Absolutely Tricia, because in order to make a year round economy work in Coney, the goal is to get more people living in Coney. A ton more. You need people traffic all year round to go to these shops and restaurants. Residential will be a big part of Coney West and North. Retail as well.
When I was at the countless CIDC public meeting years ago I begged for this condo zoning. I was very happy it was included.
But the point here concerning the boardwalk is the Brighton Boardwalk and the Emmons Avenue marina have already proven that South Brooklyn waterfront restaurants can thrive all year round. I believe the Coney boardwalk is very very close to realizing that potential as well. Extremely close.
Look, I don’t support condo development in Coney West. I was at all those city hearings too and spoke out against the shrinkage of the amusement zone, the hotels on the south side of Surf and the condo-ization of Coney. I’m merely stating what I think is the reason for the City’s and Zamperla’s gentrification of the Boardwalk. We’ve lost a masterpiece of vernacular signage forever with the dismantling of Paul’s for no reason except it didn’t fit in with their new “vision.”
The policy of squeezing out Boardwalk Mom and Pops through eviction and if that doesn’t work then ridiculously expensive lease deals is counter to the CIDC’s mission of encouraging the development and retention of existing businesses. If the Coney Island 8 hadn’t fought in court and won a one-year reprieve, it’s very likely we’d have a shuttered Boardwalk and a Miami restaurateur would be bankrupt. The CI8 did the City and Zamperla a favor.
Now let’s see if Ruby’s and Paul’s Daughter sign those leases that they were offered more than one month ago and which are still being negotiated.
Disagreement is fine. Not looking to get into an argument on your blog.The zoning is over thank goodness, and personally I am extremely pleased with it. I know others are not.
I don’t see a reason why those 2 can’t stay if they go year round. I am perplexed about the length of time these “negotiations” are taking though. I often wonder if there is other bidding involved. From what I have read, this all was supposed to be wrapped up by the end of October. There is a limited time period it takes for redesign and construction for spring/summer opening and hopefully fall//winter following.
Keep up your great reporting Tricia. I appreciate it tremendously. You have been all over this issue with exclusive reports. I love reading your blog. Thanks.
Looking at the renderings of what Zamperla/CAI want Pauls Daughter and Ruby to look like is nice.
But walking on the Boardwalk today, it struck me funny how there is absolutely no signage on Coney Cones. Except for a little sign on the side of the building, you don’t even know this is an operating business.
Just another example how Zamperla/CAI really doesn’t want anything associated with old Coney in their vision of new Coney Island. They set up more barriers for them, and let one of their own go without it.
Since Coney Cones did not open till July, I thought perhaps they planned to put up signage in 2012 when the Boardwalk got its redo. There was a Zamperla rendering, also shown at AIA, in which Coney Cones gets Luna themeing with two red and white striped circus tent like structures on the roof like the ones in Luna Park. I did not put the rendering in this post because it looks generic and wasn’t done by the businesses themselves like the others. It’s in my previous post. You can see it here: https://amusingthezillion.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/nov11panelimage1medium_amusingthezillion.jpg
I’m not from new york, but i think coney island should be themed, also more amusements,like more one of a kind type rides. I love the luna park theme, but adult type rides not a small park with all kiddy park rides, I dont like the idea of condos,or low income housing,that is what wrecked coney before so I’ve read,having never been there. I wish some day to make the journey. its been a dream of mine for a long time, but my wish is bigger,bigger bigger a fabulous amusement park. of course the economy will have to improve a little more.
will there be karaoke and fireworks on fridays june july and august 2012
yes, of course! Can’t wait. It usually starts on the first weekend of summer.
For readers who may not know the schedule, the fireworks are on Friday nights at 9:30pm. The Brooklyn Cyclones also sponsor free post-game fireworks on Saturday nights when they play a home game.
https://amusingthezillion.com/2010/06/17/coney-island-fireworks-show-every-friday-plus-4-saturdays/
Karaoke on the Boardwalk in front of the Wonder Wheel at 7pm before the fireworks, sponsored by Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park
Geo.C.Tilyou’s Steeplechase the funny place park again. The ball field isn’t what coney island about. It’s about…
They need to bring back the Parachute Jump again as well. Not let it sit there and rust. They should build something on that lot where the thunderbolt used to stand too.
Oh yes. Like, build an indoor-outdoor killer amusement pavilion and call it…uh, let’s see…maybe…. STEEPLECHASE THE FUNNY PLACE????