Wikicommons New York State Pavilion
Nov. 27, 2018 By Christian Murray
The New York State Pavilion–a massive, rusted structure in the middle of Flushing Meadows Corona Park–is about to receive an injection of federal funds along with other nearby sections of the sprawling park.
The park has been allocated $16.5 million by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that will be used to repair electrical damage, wiring problems and water damage stemming from Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The funds will go toward the New York State Pavilion, the Boathouse, Meadow Lake and a comfort station. The funding will also be used to implement mitigation measures to prevent future flooding.
“The World’s Fair Pavilion is one of Flushing’s iconic sites,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in a statement. “This funding is an important investment that will help repair the electric components of many of the park’s facilities, include the vaults, concession area, boathouse, main area and comfort station.”
The federal funds will help with the restoration effort already underway to repair the New York State Pavilion. Last year, city officials and preservationists rallied together and secured $14 million in funds for structural repairs and lighting for the pavilion.
The hulking structure designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson for the 1964-65 World’s Fair has fallen into disappear for decades. The pavilion is comprised of the Tent of Tomorrow—which is supported by 16 columns that are 100 feet tall—along with three, tiered observation towers rising 60, 150 and 226 feet.
“This is a tremendous investment toward repair and resiliency in the park,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz in a statement following the $16.5 million announcement. “With these additional resources for electrical and structural improvements, we are well on our way to restore and illuminate this historic architectural marvel into a visible icon benefiting The World’s Borough.”
