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Landmarks
Central Park Bethesda Terrace
WHEREAS, The Bethesda Terrace Arcade is located mid-park along the 72nd Street Cross Drive and is part of the larger Bethesda Terrace, completed in 1869 by Olmstead and Vaux and is considered the architectural centerpiece of the park; and
WHEREAS, The richly decorated Arcade, with walls ornately carved in New Brunswick sandstone, is consistent with the sandstone detailing found throughout the entire Bethesda Terrace; and
WHEREAS, The ceiling of the Arcade was decorated with beautiful encaustic tile panels, made by the Minton Company in England, which deteriorated during the years and suffered extreme water damage; and
WHEREAS, Now with grants to complete restoration, the following work will be done:
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conservation of the historic tiles preserving as many originals as possible
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manufacture replacement for damaged or missing encaustic tiles
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restore original cast iron suspended ceiling and wrought iron girders
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engineer additional structural support
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replace pavement, site damage and curbs for roadway deck and upper terrace to push surface water away from Arcade structure
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replace l980's era square cast concrete and glass block skylight with circular cast iron and glass skylight
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replace l980's era steel bollards with cast iron bollards to further protect terrace from traffic
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re-water-proof roof of Arcade structure to prevent water infiltration
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remove brick arches to relieve structure of unnecessary loading; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval and strongly supports the Restoration of the Bethesda Terrace, Arcade and Ceiling in Central Park and looks forward to seeing the magnificent Minton Tiles back in their rightful place in the ceiling of the Arcade.
The above resolution passed with a vote of 28 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.