Quantcast
Newspaper cover

Flip through
today’s papers
Newspaper cover

Flip through
today’s papers
Entertainment

Coney Island amphitheater looms at the boardwalk near former Childs Restaurant

By Posted on
  • coneyislandlive.com.” data-id=”111779275″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/15315_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11779275″/>
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • That's the amount it took to build the canopy structure that is above the amphitheater's seats, said Jeffrey Dewey, vice president at iStar, the company developing the project.
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • While the design mimics the Cyclone, it was
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • The stage faces west onto the beach in the summer. During the off-season, sliding stainless steel doors close and performances can take place inside.
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • Six doors, each weighing 30,000 pounds, slide on rails to close at night and at the end of the summer season.
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • Open to the public, the park loops around the rear of the amphitheater and provides access from the street to the boardwalk. While people walking by won't be able to see the stage, they will be able to hear the music.
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • The amphitheater's 300-person rooftop will be decked out with a bar, food and views of the boardwalk, beach, ocean and all the attractions of Coney Island.
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • The Childs Building was an impressive structure, but many of the design elements were beyond saving, Dewey said. A handful of painted terra-cotta medallions, like this one, were salvageable. They are located inside the building where the restaurant will be when the project is completed.

    Approximately 600 other pieces of terra-cotta that decorated the exterior of the building are being replicated to replace what had to be demolished. The ornate pieces, including arches, cartouches and medallions, are being recast in terra-cotta by artisans, then painted and heated in a kiln.

    “It will look and feel like what used to be here,” Dewey said.

    ” data-id=”111779248″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/15328_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11779248″/>

    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • The building's designs were meant to give the structure the appearance of being
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote
  • The food options at the amphitheater, from the venue to the indoor restaurant to the rooftop, will be managed by Legends. The vendors have not yet been announced.
    Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote

“America’s Playground” is about to welcome another entertainment venue to its ranks: an outdoor concert hall. The grand opening weekend for the Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk begins July 1.

Located at West 21st Street, the venue joins a minor league baseball team (the Brooklyn Cyclones), an amusement park (Luna Park) and a famous hot dog restaurant (Nathan’s, of course) on the Coney Island Boardwalk.

The 5,000-seat amphitheater also features a rooftop bar, an indoor restaurant and a park area for visitors who aren’t paying to see the show. The stage and indoor elements are housed in the former Childs Building, an historic Coney Island institution built in 1923 that was home to Childs Restaurant until the early 1950s.

The site is still under construction, but we got a sneak peak. Take a look around.

About the Author

More from Entertainment

More from around NYC