NYC reopens Orchard Beach Pavilion after 17 years and $114M restoration
Credit: Marvel
The historic Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx partially reopened to the public earlier this month, restoring access to the landmarked beachfront destination for the first time in 17 years after a $114 million reconstruction. Beginning in December 2022, work on the 140,000-square-foot project involved preserving the pavilion’s 1930s-era architecture while adding new community amenities and accessibility upgrades. The seaside landmark, located at the only public beach in the Bronx, reopened ahead of the summer season and the opening of city beaches last weekend. Additional features remain under construction, with a full reopening expected later this summer.
“We are proud to have restored the Orchard Beach Pavilion to its former glory, with a level of investment that the Bronx deserves,” NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said in a statement.
“Thanks to this project, the pavilion is more accessible to all visitors, will offer improved amenities and has a revived look that highlights its striking architectural features. After being closed off to public access for more than 17 years, we’re thrilled to welcome New Yorkers back to the pavilion this summer.”
Orchard Beach was envisioned by former Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and built between 1934 and 1937 as part of the New Deal, as 6sqft previously reported. The city landmarked the beach house and promenade in 2006, recognizing its striking columns, bright blue tiling, and terrazzo flooring.
Plans by architectural firm Marvel, NYC Parks, and the NYCEDC to restore the pavilion were approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in May 2021.
The project reconstructed the pavilion’s structural concrete roofs with additional exterior finishes, recasting elements using historic materials such as limestone cladding, glazed terracotta, terrazzo, cement plaster, and metalwork.
The ground floor is now open to the public and includes upgraded restrooms. Visitors can access the upper balconies and take in views of the beach and Long Island Sound.
Improving accessibility was a key goal of the effort. The architects implemented ramps on both the land and beach sides of the pavilion and regraded pathways leading to the site to create a more gradual change in elevation, according to Marvel.
On the beach side, a curved brick accessible ramp connects the upper level to the lower plaza near the shoreline, while the land-side entrance features ramps leading to the pavilion’s upper level. More trees have been planted, and new lighting installations will better illuminate the area in line with the pavilion’s updated accessibility standards.
The historic concession spaces within the pavilion have also been revamped and now host new food and retail vendors, along with upgraded mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to improve long-term resiliency.
The concession spaces are slated to open later this summer, while the pavilion’s restaurant space will not open until 2027.
Located within Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York City, Orchard Beach has a nature center where visitors can learn about local wildlife through Urban Park Ranger programs, exhibits, and live marine displays. The 1.1-mile beach also features playgrounds, picnic areas, a soccer field, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball.
“The Orchard Beach Pavilion is one of New York City’s most beautiful destinations, and we are thrilled of the work we have done to renovate this historic space that will be enjoyed by many New Yorkers when beach season officially begins,” Jeanny Pak, interim president and CEO of NYCEDC, said.
“With these renovations, the ‘Riviera of New York’ will once again become a public amenity that is fitted for modern times, and we look forward to welcoming families to this landmark destination to relax, rest, and play,” she added.
The project was funded by the Mayor’s Office, the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the City Council, and the state. Gilbane provided construction management services.
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