Heritage, Rides, Redevelopment: What’s Next for Coney Island
How can Coney Island capitalize on its rich heritage to reclaim its status as one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations? After years of setbacks, Coney Island had its best season in years this summer, boosted by the opening of Luna Park. But Coney Island’s recovery remains fragile. Many of its historic buildings are now threatened with imminent demolition. What lies ahead for Coney Island? Join us for a panel discussion on the latest developments in Coney Island and on how Coney’s past can shape its future.
The panel will be moderated by Pulitzer-prize winning historian Mike Wallace. Presenters include: David Malmuth, former Disney vice-president and developer of Times Square’s New Amsterdam Theatre; Valerio Ferrari, president of Zamperla USA, operator of Coney Island’s new Luna Park; Michael Immerso, historian and author of “Coney Island: The People’s Playground”
Heritage, Rides, Redevelopment: What’s Next for Coney Island
Thursday, September 30 • 6:30 – 8:30PM
CUNY Graduate Center • Proshansky Auditorium
365 5th Ave (at 35th Street)
Click here to register.
A Roller Coaster of a Summer at Coney Island
As summer ends, fans of Coney Island can look back on a season of thrills, but the future of some of Coney’s most historic buildings is in doubt.
The Conservancy, along with a coalition of preservation and advocacy groups scored a victory when the New York State Historic Preservation Office determined that an historic district was merited on Coney Island.
The historic buildings lining Surf Avenue are at the heart of the District, which goes down to the Boardwalk and includes landmark amusements, such as the Cyclone and the Parachute Jump.
Even with this recognition, several of the historic buildings are threatened with demolition as soon as September. Demolition permits have been issued for the 1903 Shore Hotel and the 1920s Bank of Coney Island, which is among the most handsome buildings there. Long-time tenants are leaving and preliminary demolition work has begun at Henderson’s Music Hall, without a permit.
The status of the Shore Theater and the (former) Childs Restaurant building, which now houses the non-profit community group Coney Island USA remains unchanged: they are still being considered for designation as individual landmarks by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (click here to read the Conservancy’s statement of support.)
The Conservancy believes that saving the buildings on Surf Avenue goes hand-in-hand with the revitalization of the amusement business. Protection of these buildings will maintain the historic character that only adds to the joy of visiting Coney Island.
