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mikeymiggz OP t1_je6eppg wrote

>The development team behind renovations planned for the historic Jacob Riis Park bathhouse, following the extensive damages it suffered during Superstorm Sandy, has landed $47.5 million in financing to move ahead with the project. CBSK Developers, Brooklyn Bazaar and Aulder Capital closed on the money, split between a $32.5 million construction loan from Procida and a $15 million historic tax credit equity investment from Foss & Co. Work on the Rockaway Beach project began last month, and the developers expect to complete it by the summer of 2024.

>The bathhouse dates back to 1932 but had been underutilized for almost 50 years. It was hit hard during Superstorm Sandy, which destroyed its doors and window coverings and knocked down its courtyard wall.

>Jacob Riis Park became part of the National Park Service in 1972, and the federal agency selected events and concession company Brooklyn Bazaar to renovate the bathhouse following an RFP process. Brooklyn Bazaar and development partner CBSK inked a 60-year lease for the bathhouse with the National Park Service in October.

>The total cost of the project is estimated to be $65 million, and the developers will put up the remaining $17.5 million themselves.

>The overhaul is starting with a renovation of the building's facade, windows and turrets. The developers will also add a rooftop restaurant, a beachfront bar, ground-floor eateries and retailers selling beach supplies to the structure.

>The project will bring 28 hotel rooms to the bathhouse as well, along with a catering hall, event spaces, and a new pool and lounge areas to its outdoor courtyard. The renovations will preserve the famous Byzantine, Moorish and Moderne influences in the bathhouse's architecture. "The building has been an iconic landmark on the Queens waterfront for decades, and our restoration plan for the bathhouse will transform it into a modern beachfront hub complete with a full range of amenities for the public," CBSK Principal Scott Shnay said in a statement.

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chargeorge t1_je7p8e0 wrote

It’s a cool structure. I’m excited to see how it comes out and how it’s used. Q

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Dont_mute_me_bro t1_je9c2ev wrote

I will always think less of Chick Schumer for not pressuring the NPS to fix Riis Park sooner. Here's the one of the most powerful leaders in the US Senate and a Federal Beach in NYC- the heart of his district; the region or his disgraced acolyte Congressman Anthony (Carlos Danger) Weiner that has been a dilapidated shambles for years. A Federal park in the Nation's biggest city, a city that pays more to the fed than it gets back...and it's crumbling!

Anyway..Let's see how long "The People's Beach" lasts in the shadows of gentrification. Once there's money and families worrying about "the children" it gets ugly.

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HamsterCultural3081 t1_je9x6me wrote

I've been inside. It isnt as run down as they are trying to spin. The actual structure and majority of fixtures and artwork are in great condition. They are playing that violin real hard.

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Dont_mute_me_bro t1_jeaotyv wrote

Don't look now, but it's being torn down. There was a big crane there last week.

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HamsterCultural3081 t1_jeas867 wrote

Thats for Neponsit Nursing Home not Riis Park

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Dont_mute_me_bro t1_jebpx40 wrote

The home is gone. The park is getting a facelift. People's Beach's days are most likely numbered.

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midtownguy70 t1_jed5bgl wrote

So many memories from Riis and one of the few places you could sunbathe nude (down at the end where it was always a beach party). Really sad if it gets gentrified.

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