GKV was commissioned to restore the abandoned historic Childs Restaurant and to design the “Ford Amphitheatre” on the Boardwalk, Coney Island, New York. The project gave rebirth to an abandoned landmark structure that had been badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy and by urban blight. The development also contributed a 5,000 seat modern tensile theatre to support cultural performances on the boardwalk. Rehabilitation of the Child’s restaurant building included restoring and replacing the ornamental terra cotta details on the exterior. The structure features an open restaurant on the ground floor which can be opened to the theater. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the boardwalk and the ocean. The exterior of the building features several arched windows that are illuminated at dark and highlight the detail and intricacy of the facade. The project also includes a new public park.

Recipient of 2018 AIA New York State Excelsior Awards for Public Architecture - Historic Preservation, Award of Merit.

Recipient of 2018 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award - The New York Landmarks Conservancy.

Recipient of 2017 AIA Brooklyn Design Awards.

LEED SILVER CERTIFIED

Coney Island, New York
85,000 square feet