World's Fair Pavilion To Get $16M In Repairs

FLUSHING, NY – The degrading World's Fair pavilion in Queens is about to get a $16 million makeover, with the money used largely to repair electrics that were ruined during flooding following Hurricane Sandy.

Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the federal funding for the project.

“The World’s Fair Pavilion is an enduring icon and it should be preserved and promoted for current and future generations,” said Schumer.

“Now the pavilion is being restored and these federal funds will be used to repair damages caused by Superstorm Sandy and help yet another community asset recover after the storm.”

Gillibrand said: “This funding is an important investment that will help repair the electric components of many of the park’s facilities, including the vaults, concession area, boathouse, main area, and comfort station.

"These fixes are an important step in recovering from the damage that Hurricane Sandy caused and will help revitalize the World’s Fair Pavilion for future generations to enjoy.”

“With these additional resources for electrical and structural improvements, we are well on our way to restore and illuminate this historic, architectural marvel into a visible icon befitting The World’s Borough," said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.

The work will include:

• Electrical Vaults: Disconnect switches, transformers, distribution panels, exhaust fans and wiring of eight electrical vaults with be replace. Other work will include dry flood proofing the vaults to protect the electrical equipment, installing a roof hatch above flood elevation level and installing pumps in each vault to remove any water that leaks in.
• Concession: Funding will be used to remove and replace a switch, boost transformers, lighting panel, time clock, fuse box and wiring at the concession.
• Boathouse: Funding will be used to remove and replace the electrical cabinet, receptacles, wiring, and mechanical equipment including a burner, solenoid valve and pressure gauge.
• Meadow Lake (main area): Funding will be used to remove and replace wire at the power service feeders, telephone cable and other wiring.
• Comfort Station: Funding will be used to remove and replace the meter pan, safety switch, panel board, light switches, receptacles, hand dryers, and wiring.

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)