Two WPA projects and firehouse designated. On June 20, 2006, Landmarks unanimously approved the designation of the Bronx’s Orchard Beach Bathhouse, Queen’s Astoria Play Center and a 1904 firehouse in Long Island City, Queens, home to Fire Engine Company No. 258, Ladder Company No. 115.

Both constructed in the midst of the Great Depression under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and using the Works Progress Administration funds, the Orchard Beach Bathhouse and the Astoria Play Center received support from Landmarks as great examples of public architecture. The Astoria Play Center’s main feature, its 6,200 capacity pool, opened on July 4th in 1936 and has expansive views of the Triborough and Hell Gate bridges. It and the Orchard Beach Bathhouse, a giant recreational center with a 200,000-square-foot bathhouse, concessions, a beach and promenade, remain in operation under the Parks Department. In their comments before the vote, Landmarks commissioners stressed the importance of preserving examples of the City’s large civic construction projects. (read more…)