22 JULY 14 - JULY 20, 2017 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP
1920s seaside splendor returns to Coney
BY SUSAN DE VRIES
After decades of neglect and
failed development plans, the
1920s Childs Restaurant at
3052 West 21st Street in Coney Island
is once again gleaming and open for
business thanks to a major restoration
e ort and its transformation as part of
the Ford Amphitheater complex.
Constructed in 1923 and designed
by Dennison & Hirons, the Spanish
Colonial Revival style building with a
dash of maritime fl air was a fi ttingly
lamboyant presence on the brash
Boardwalk.
The architects designed a stark
white stucco building enlivened with
terra cotta details with a sea-worthy
theme, including seashells, fi sh, ships
and seaweed.
The restaurant, which closed in the
early 1950s, was landmarked in 2003
and the project to restore the building
and add the outdoor performance
space was approved by the Landmarks
Preservation Commission back in 2013.
The restoration project included
constructing a roo op addition for
seating, in keeping with the original
roo op dining area that once graced
the building and provided diners with
enviable water views.
The restoration project included
constructing a roo op addition for
seating, in keeping with the original
roo op dining area that once graced
the building and provided diners with
enviable water views.
The Ford Amphitheater — an undulating
white canopy located next
to the restaurant — was designed by
Gerner Kroik & Valcarcel and, along
with its adjacent public space, won a
2017 Building Brooklyn award.
The box o ce is located inside the
historic restaurant.
The performance venue seats 5,000
The restored Childs Restaurant and a detail of the terra cotta
work.
and opened in July, 2016.
Next to the amphitheater is Seaside
Park designed by Michael Van
Valkenburgh Associates, with curving
pathways, benches, picnic tables and
a playground. The transformation of
the building into an entertainment
center was championed by former
Brooklyn Borough President Marty
Photos: Brownstoner/Susan DeVries
Markowitz and was not without controversy
— the amphitheater and park
replaced a community garden.
The whole complex was developed
in a collaboration between iStar
Financial Inc. and the New York City
Economic Development Corporation
— the City of New York owns the
property.
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