Belvedere Castle, the iconic Central Park building just South of the Great Lawn, needs a renovation, according to the Central Park Conservancy. The castle was first built in 1869 as a “whimsical” addition to the park, according to the conservancy. It was restored in 1983, but the conservancy wants to make more updates now.
Community Board 7’s parks committee approved the changes at a meeting earlier this month.
The conservancy expects to begin renovations in late summer, if it gets all the approvals. Here’s the basic scope of the work:
The proposed project involves a comprehensive core and shell restoration of the existing historic structure consistent with the original design, including:
Cleaning and repointing exterior masonry
Installing new drainage and waterproofing systems
Restoring the wood pavilions on the main plaza and upper terraces
Replacing existing pavements
Replacing existing windows and doors
Repairing and replacing interior bluestone floors and ceilings
Modernizing mechanical systems and upgrading utility servicesIt also includes creation of an accessible path to the Belvedere from the east side.
People can weigh in on the changes, as well as changes to two playgrounds on the east side of the park, at upcoming meetings. You can also weigh in at the Community Board 7 full board meeting on April 4 at 6:30 p.m.at Goddard Riverside (593 Columbus Avenue).
Community Board 5: Landmarks Committee Meeting
Projects under review: Billy Johnson Playground, Bernard Playground, Belvedere Castle
Tuesday, April 4, 6 pm
Xavier High School
30 W. 16th Street, 2nd Floor Library
www.cb5.org
Community Board 8: Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting
Projects under review: Billy Johnson Playground, Bernard Playground, Belvedere Castle
Thursday, April 6, 6:30 pm
Brick Presbyterian Church
62 E. 92nd Street
www.cb8m.com
Community Board 11: Environment, Open Space & Parks Committee Meeting
Projects under review: Bernard Playground
Thursday, April 13, 2017, 6 PM
1664 Park Avenue
www.cb11m.org
Community Board 11: Environment, Open Space & Parks Committee Meeting
Projects under review: Billy Johnson Playground, Belvedere Castle
Thursday, May 11, 2017, 6 PM
1664 Park Avenue
www.cb11m.org
Image via Conservancy.
“It also includes creation of an accessible path to the Belvedere from the east side.”
Huh? There’s already a path from the east side – a path from the Ramble. Where would a second east side path be?
The Conservancy is impractical. It is wasting a bunch of money on new sidewalks and benchs for the park permimeter along CPW from 86th to possibly 90th.
It was needed and is causing parking problems bot to mention it is unpleasant.
Wasn’t this supposed to be the Northern White House?
Yeah, have enjoyed watchin some of Shakespere in the Park,some years — nearby. Many S.R.O.s need upgrades. Public toilets in Central Park needed; inc. near the Zoo. Please fix paving stones sidewalks, CP East. Do’t feed the Pigeons.
The Conservancy does a FANTASTIC job. If they believe it needs restoration, then I believe them. Keep up the great work!
Does Mr. Belvedere live there?
I want to know where they’ll be moving the dragon while they do the renovations.