Orchard Beach Pavilion has reopened at Orchard Beach in The Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park following a $114 million reconstruction project. Designed by Marvel for NYC Parks and NYCEDC, the project involved the restoration of the landmarked 140,000-square-foot building, which was originally built in 1936 with Works Progress Administration funding and had been closed since 2009.
Photograph of Orchard Beach Pavilion, via NYC.
Restoration work preserved its columns, limestone cladding, blue tiles, terrazzo flooring, glazed terracotta, metalwork, and roof structures. The building was designated a New York City landmark in 2006.
Photograph of Orchard Beach Pavilion, via NYC.
The ground floor is now open to the public with upgraded restrooms, restored upper balconies, new trees, improved lighting, and expanded ADA access. New ramps now connect the land-side entrance, upper level, beachside plaza, and lower plaza. Concession spaces are also being rebuilt for food and retail uses, with Unwind Hospitality Group selected to operate them.
Photograph of Orchard Beach Pavilion, via NYC.
Subway access to Orchard Beach Pavilion is limited, with the closest stations located several miles away. Visitors can reach Orchard Beach by bus, car, bicycle, or park shuttle service when available.
Concessions are expected to open later this summer, while the restaurant space is scheduled for 2027.
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Years ago, I visited this place when it was mostly closed except for the restrooms. This was in the period when “professional ladies” operated out of tents there. This was a monumental structure that lent dignity to this man-made beach. It is good to see it restored.