NYS Pavilion to get $14 million makeover

That stately space-age Flushing Meadows monument, the New York State Pavilion, will undergo a $14.25 million redesign project by the city and a team of design consultants. Construction is set to begin next spring and the design is underway now.

“The scope of the project includes structural conservation work on the observation towers, waterproofing of the tower bases, improvements to the electrical infrastructure and architectural lighting of the observation towers and the Tent of Tomorrow,” Parks Department spokeswoman Meghan Lalor emailed the Chronicle.

Before the modified monument will be open to the public, Lalor added, “significant” work will need to be done. Work on the pavilion, which is contingent upon a successful bid, is expected to begin next spring and end in fall 2019 after an 18-month process.

NYC Parks internally approved the project’s schematic design; Community Board 7 also greenlighted it, Lalor said. Other city regulatory bodies are now reviewing it for approval and comment.

Mayor de Blasio allocated $7 million for the design and structural work; Borough President Melinda Katz dedicated $6.45 million and the City Council secured the remaining $800,000.

Improvements to the Fountain of the Fairs are also planned by the Parks Department. “This project will reconstruct and provide for the adaptive re-use of the reflecting pool and the fountain,” Lalor said.