Information about this lot
Political Boundaries
Why is this lot here?
We think this lot is vacant because:
- The lot was added manually by site admins.
Government Agency
You can use this form to suggest uses that the community actually wants to see as concessions in this building:
https://www.nycgovparks.org/opportunities/concessions/suggest-idea
NYC Parks will consider your fantastic ideas and you should also share them as notes below and become an Organizer so you can connect with others to make the futures we imagine real! Keep in mind that NYC Parks isn't going to do your project for you.
Opening buildings costs money and NYC Parks' has a limited budget. Here is a great guide to how to get money for your NYC Parks building stewardship project, created by the Center for Urban Pedagogy, New Yorkers for Parks and Partnerships for Parks: http://welcometocup.org/file_columns/0000/0613/improve_my_park.pdf. Follow the tips for "Capital Projects."
Getting your Council Member on board is key: they have money to give out every year via their discretionary budget; some Members allocate some of their discretionary money to Participatory Budgeting: https://council.nyc.gov/pb/. You can get involved to get the word out about the need to re-activate the building you want to steward.
The building might be landmarked. If it is, any work will need to comply with these rules: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/lpc/applications/applications.page
Pathways
News feed
I am not sure what structures technically comprise what is known as the Arcade. I think the Arcade is primarily the tall round structure but there is an arched structure attached to it.
The tall round structure has a locked door and the arched structure is surrounded by locked gates.
There is an active dogrun in front of the arched structure.
There are two paths leading down from Riverside Drive to the arcarde. The northern path is a ramp and the southern one has wide steps.
I do not know the original function of the structure. It did not provide access to the rail tunnel. The rail tracks are in front of it and in the open since 125th street. I am told the circular tower has electrics in it. The arched structure has a observation area above it. The Google Street view shows that observation area.
Currently (as of 12/18/2016) the northern path and the top of that path are blocked by a chainlink fence due to the construction of the pedestrian bridge into Fort Washington Park.
The following is in the Riverside Park Master Plan dated June 24, 2016 Draft.
Page 36 seems to have a before and after of the southern steps down to the Arcade.
Page 19 has a photo of the arches next to the Arcade and mentions a cafe at 154 (the Arcade)