Amur and Snow Leopards headed to New York City. Landmarks issued permits to allow the Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates the Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos, to add new exhibits. Within the Central Park Zoo, a Snow Leopard habitat will replace an existing River Otter habitat in the zoo’s western section. The plan calls for construction of a 2,300-square-foot, wood-clad holding center adjacent to an open-air leopard enclosure and viewing pavilions also clad in a dark colored wood.
The Society modeled the Amur Leopard habitat at the Prospect Park Zoo on the Central Park Snow Leopard habitat, proposing a similar wood-clad holding building, viewing pavilions and an open-air animal enclosure. The Amur Leopard habitat will replace an existing crane aviary. The design features Volume 4 Cityland July 15, 2007 screening with grade changes and vegetation in order to blend into the surrounding landscaping.Landmarks emphasized that the proposed alterations would not eliminate any original features and would not encroach on Central or Prospect Parks. Only a small portion of each building would be visible from public areas within the zoo. (more…)
Work will give Rumsey Summer Stage Support Building a new roof, windows and interior. Landmarks issued a binding report approving the design for roof and window replacements to improve the Rumsey Summer Stage Support Building in Central Park, a scenic landmark. The work will improve the building’s appearance and help protect it from further disrepair.
The one-story building was constructed in 1936-1937 in the Rumsey Playfield, located near the East Drive and 72nd Street. Originally used as a comfort station and facilities building, it is now used for storage after it was damaged by a fire. In its application, the Parks Department proposed to repair damaged roof tiles, raise the facade height with matching brickwork, install new doors and windows, and construct an addition on the northern side. Landmarks issued a separate permit to allow cleaning and repair of the exterior and to alter the interior. (more…)
Permit will remove inappropriate changes made to Columbus Circle Landmark. On September 1, 2004, the Landmarks Preservation Commission issued a master plan permit for the individual landmark, 240 Central Park South Apartments, located on an entire block along Broadway and Columbus Circle between West 58th and West 59th Streets. Central Park South Associates LLC, the owner, sought the master plan to allow prospective changes to the residential windows, courtyards, and storefronts.
Landmarks approved, finding the permit an important step towards the elimination of inappropriate changes made prior to the buildings’ landmark designation. The permit allows future changes, without additional hearings, so long as the work complies with several montages and renderings submitted and approved by Landmarks. (more…)
Image credit: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
On February 27, 2023, Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue joined elected officials, community board representatives and community members to celebrate the reopening of the Flushing Meadows Aquatics Center, located near the intersection of Meridian Road and East Road in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. (more…)
Rendering of the new Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center. Image Credit: NYC Parks Dept.
On December 22, 2022, the Parks Department and the Department of Design and Construction revealed the schematic design for the new Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The new center will be located in Nostrand Playground on Nostrand Avenue between Foster Avenue and Farragut Place. (more…)
