The historic roots of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park are coming to life again, first with the restoration of its stunning Endale Arch and now with a similar restoration of an outdoor concert pavilion.
The Concert Grove Pavilion — located in the southeast corner of the Park, next to the popular Lakeside — was designed by Calvert Vaux in 1874. Like other designs of the time, it “borrows motifs from Hindu, Chinese, Moorish and Egyptian architecture.” Sadly, the original pavilion was almost entirely ravaged by a fired in 1970s, but was resorted in the late ’80s since its cast iron columns were saved.
Still, after another 30+ years it needed some TLC, and the Prospect Park Alliance undertook a years-long renovation that was unveiled earlier this week. In 2014 it has been forced to close because of structural damage, but with the new restoration (made possible through $2 million in funding from former Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the Brooklyn Delegation of the New York City Council), they we are able to repair the water damage and add stunning century-specific details.
Here’s exactly what the restoration entailed (as written by the Alliance):
- Bringing back beautiful features including elaborately detailed wooden trim and moldings at the eaves of the roof, and terne-coated, stainless-steel roof shingles
- New high-efficiency light fixtures to illuminate a beautiful star-patterned, stained-glass ceiling in the center dome and light the surrounding landscape
- Matched the original colors of the painted wood ceilings and iron columns through extensive color testing and mockups
- Trucked all of the iron railings and roof finials to an iron foundry in Alabama that specializes in historical restoration so missing elements could be recast and damaged pieces repaired and restored
- Installed an intricate waterproofing system to prevent future water damage of the structure
“The Concert Grove Pavilion is a key piece of the identity of Prospect Park; as it serves as a venue for enjoying concerts, celebrating special occasions, and so much more,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Through the support of Prospect Park Alliance, former Speaker Melissa Viverito, and the City Council this historic structure has been revitalized for an entirely new generation to enjoy and explore.”
Events can be hosted in the pavilion starting this spring; more info for applying for a permit can be found here.
featured image source: Prospect Park Alliance, Credit Paul Martinka