CORONA — The deteriorating New York State Pavilion is slated for $6 million in repairs in the city's capital budget and through the borough president's office — in what advocates say is the first step to restoring the national treasure to its former glory.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council allocated more than $4.8 million in its budget to help rebuild the staircases in the three towers of the Pavilion, repair the concrete platforms and upgrade the electrical system.
Parks Department officials estimate it could cost $52 million for a full restoration of the pavilion, or $43 million to restore it without public access. It would cost $14 million alone just to knock the structures down, according to the Parks Department.
The Parks Department said the first round of work will be performed "to stabilize the structures." The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether demolition was still an option.
Borough President Melinda Katz, who gave the project an additional $1 million, applauded the additional funds that will help begin the restoration of the Pavilion.
"The Pavilion keeps us connected to that history while it also serves as an icon of Queens that is recognized around the world," Katz said.
"Its preservation will aid our efforts to rebrand the Queens as a top-level tourist destination that we call ‘The World’s Borough.’”
