Wednesday, March 07, 2007

City Seeks Designers for "Steeplechase Plaza"



The city's Economic Development Corporation asks for "Requests for Qualifications" from an architectural team to design the “Steeplechase Plaza” in Coney Island adjacent to the Keyspan park, the boardwalk, and the Parachute Jump.

The request released on the NYCEDC website (found via Gowanus Lounge and the CIUSA bulletin board) indicates that The City of New York (the “City”), has issued a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) in connection with its efforts to procure an architectural team to provide design services in advancement of the Coney Island Steeplechase Plaza Project (the “Project”).

A key component of the Coney Island Strategic Plan (the “Strategic Plan”) announced by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the Coney Island Development Corporation in 2005, the Project calls for the creation of a new iconic civic and entertainment destination on a 2.2-acre site between Keyspan Stadium and the famous Coney Island Boardwalk. This new mixed-use plaza would contain a variety of uses, including the restored B&B Carousel, a historic 40-horse carousel purchased by the City of New York in August 2005. In conjunction with additional planned improvements to the streetscapes and public open spaces and enhancements of existing facilities and landmarks, Steeplechase Plaza will serve to anchor new private development in Coney Island with dramatic new public amenities. For more information regarding the Coney Island Strategic Plan, please visit: www.thecidc.org

The Coney Island Development Corporation’s website which also describes the request states:

“The creation of a signature public plaza in the heart of Coney Island is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to leverage and preserve Coney Island's unique past while creating something spectacular for local residents and all New Yorkers,” said EDC President Robert C. Lieber. “Steeplechase Plaza will serve as a fantastic public space that will complement the recently lit Parachute Jump, the new community center and affordable housing units at Coney Island Commons and the other changes that are making Coney Island an increasingly attractive place to live and to visit.”

Designs for the project should respect Coney Island’s iconic history while celebrating its future as a place for innovation. Consultant services sought by EDC are intended to result in designs for the following:
A one-of-a-kind entertainment and civic center with a user-friendly public space
A new iconic structure that will house the reactivated and restored B&B Carousel
Year-round cultural activities, amusements and revenue-generating concessions
Enhanced connections from the boardwalk to neighboring streets and development sites

As an integral part of the “Steeplechase Plaza” is the “Parachute Jump Pavilion” which is not specifically discussed in either statement. As of yet, there is no word on last years winning team designs for the Parachute Pavilion.




Coney's "Steeplechase Plaza" Moving Forward [Gowanus Lounge]


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