Overlook Pavilion Update

Date: June 22, 2009
Contact: Mindi Rambo, 212-668-2208

Phase I of Overlook Pavilion Work Nears Completion

Work is winding to its final stages for the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Overlook Pavilion in Riverside Park across the street from General Grant National Memorial (Grant's Tomb). The Pavilion, when all work is completed, will house a visitor center for Grant's Tomb as well as bathrooms and a drinking fountain -- two things that are not available in the memorial itself. In addition, the site will be handicapped accessible, utilizing a ramp or ramping system.

Phase I, which covers the exterior and the public space on the interior, is expected to be completed in the early fall. The roof has been reconstructed, painted and had lighting installed. Some column work and some lighting on the lower half of the pavilion remain to be done.

The interior work is on track. The historic doorframes have been restored and re-installed, the bathrooms created and installed, and the interior lighting fixtures are in place, as is the visitor information desk. Painting of the dry wall, sealing of exposed interior brick and the installation of the drinking fountain and a few cabinets is all that remains on the public spaces inside.

Phase II will consist of the utility work, communications systems, and completion of unfinished interior spaces. The National Park Service is currently entering the contracting process for Phase II and the work is expected to commence in early fall.