The Central Park Conservancy has recently released details about the renovation of the Lasker Rink and Pool, the capstone project of the Conservancy’s 40-year campaign to restore Central Park. The project will restore the area’s ecosystem while creating a new pool and rink facility at the Harlem Meer.
The new facility will be integrated into the landscape by being built into the eastern side of the site with a green roof overlooking the area. It will be more open and accessible to visitors and, for the first time, the facility will support programming, access to restrooms, and amenities year-round.
A new pool and outdoor splash pad will be built and a seasonal ice rink for skating and hockey will be installed. A boardwalk, accessed via an open-air pavilion on the shoreline, that travels through a series of small islands and a freshwater marsh will convert to a skating ribbon in winter.
The existing Lasker Rink and Pool has acted as a physical and visual barrier to the north end for more than 60 years as it severed the Ravine landscape and Lock watercourse from the Harlem Meer. The new design provides unhindered access across to the north end of the Park by reconnecting the watercourse that runs through the Ravine so it flows freely into the Harlem Meer and by re-establishing the pedestrian path that once ran alongside it.
See Also: KPF-designed CITIC tower is Beijing’s tallest
The project, slated to begin in spring of 2021, has a budget of $150 million, which includes a $40 million maintenance and capital repair fund. The City of New York has allocated $50 million to the project. The conservancy is committed to raising the remaining $100 million and overseeing the design and construction. The project is slated for completion in 2024.
Related Stories
Laboratories | Jul 3, 2024
New science, old buildings: Renovating for efficiency, flexibility, and connection
What does the research space of the future look like? And can it be housed in older buildings—or does it require new construction?
Smart Buildings | Jul 1, 2024
GSA to invest $80 million on smart building technologies at federal properties
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will invest $80 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into smart building technologies within 560 federal buildings. GSA intends to enhance operations through granular controls, expand available reporting with more advanced metering sources, and optimize the operator experience.
MFPRO+ News | Jun 24, 2024
‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ movement could create more affordable housing
The so-called “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) movement, where houses of worship convert their properties to housing, could help alleviate the serious housing crisis affecting many communities around the country.
Mass Timber | Jun 17, 2024
British Columbia hospital features mass timber community hall
The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project in Duncan, British Columbia, features an expansive community hall featuring mass timber construction. The hall, designed to promote social interaction and connection to give patients, families, and staff a warm and welcoming environment, connects a Diagnostic and Treatment (“D&T”) Block and Inpatient Tower.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 14, 2024
AEC inspections are the key to financially viable office to residential adaptive reuse projects
About a year ago our industry was abuzz with an idea that seemed like a one-shot miracle cure for both the shockingly high rate of office vacancies and the worsening housing shortage. The seemingly simple idea of converting empty office buildings to multifamily residential seemed like an easy and elegant solution. However, in the intervening months we’ve seen only a handful of these conversions, despite near universal enthusiasm for the concept.
Adaptive Reuse | Jun 13, 2024
4 ways to transform old buildings into modern assets
As cities grow, their office inventories remain largely stagnant. Yet despite changes to the market—including the impact of hybrid work—opportunities still exist. Enter: “Midlife Metamorphosis.”
Office Buildings | Jun 3, 2024
Insights for working well in a hybrid world
GBBN Principal and Interior Designer Beth Latto, NCIDQ, LEED AP, ID+C, WELL AP, share a few takeaways, insights, and lessons learned from a recent Post Occupancy Evaluation of the firm's Cincinnati, Ohio, office.
MFPRO+ News | Jun 3, 2024
New York’s office to residential conversion program draws interest from 64 owners
New York City’s Office Conversion Accelerator Program has been contacted by the owners of 64 commercial buildings interested in converting their properties to residential use.
Adaptive Reuse | May 15, 2024
Modular adaptive reuse of parking structure grants future flexibility
The shift away from excessive parking requirements aligns with a broader movement, encouraging development of more sustainable and affordable housing.
Retail Centers | May 3, 2024
Outside Las Vegas, two unused office buildings will be turned into an open-air retail development
In Henderson, Nev., a city roughly 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas, 100,000 sf of unused office space will be turned into an open-air retail development called The Cliff. The $30 million adaptive reuse development will convert the site’s two office buildings into a destination for retail stores, chef-driven restaurants, and community entertainment.
