Jacob Riis Park Bathhouse, an Art Deco structure that has been vacant for nearly 50 years. It is about to undergo a $50 million restoration, including restaurants, a bar, a pool, event spaces, and hotel rooms.
The city built the building with two restaurants, a cafeteria, and concession stands for “the recreation of its citizens.” However, it has not been used in that capacity in a long time. During Hurricane Sandy, the doors, windows, and courtyard walls are all destroyed.
The facade will be restore to its former glory once construction begins this fall. There will be a rooftop restaurant, ground-floor eateries, a casual beachfront bar, and shops selling beach supplies like sunscreen and towels. There will also be 28 hotel rooms, a catering hall, and numerous event spaces. Outside, there will be a new pool and lounge areas.
In 2023, a phased reopening will begin.
The National Park Service chose Brooklyn Bazaar to renovate the facility in 2017 after a competitive process. CBS Developers and the renown architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle is hired to complete the work.
According to Brooklyn Bazaar, plans for the project have already been carefully reviewe by New York’s State Historic Preservation Office. They will preserve the building’s fame Byzantine, Moorish, and Moderne influences while adding new modern uses.
“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revitalize this iconic city landmark. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me as a New Yorker with deep Queens roots,” CBSK’s Scott Shay said. “This project will contribute to the restoration of the bathhouse to its former glory.
As well as the addition of modern restaurants and attractions to the historic Jacob Riis waterfront.” We appreciate our partnership with the National Park Service and look forward to getting start.”
However, the essential aspect of the project is that it will be able to withstand future storm surges and sea-level rise. The project employs best practices for coastal resiliency and sustainability, such as using Aquafence technology as part of a thorough floodproofing plan and developing a Zero Waste plan.
Native plants will plant as part of the landscaping design. National Park Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Coastal Management have thoroughly reviewed all development plans to ensure they do not interfere with existing wildlife or local habitat.
“The Bathhouse is emblematic of over half a century of the quintessential NYC seaside experience,” said Jen Nersesian, Gateway National Recreation Area superintendent. “Its restoration will reconnect beachgoers with this heritage and create a new set of visitor opportunities for future generations.” We value the partnership’s ability to achieve that vision while also serving the public good.”