World’s Fair relic set for extensive restoration

David Handschuh/New York Daily News The New York State Pavilion, designed for the 1964-65 World’s Fair by Philip Johnson, has deteriorated over the years. A new $ 5.8 project will help light up the structure and rebuild stairways in the observation towers.

The New York State Pavilion’s future is looking bright.

Next year’s city budget includes $ 5.8 million to upgrade the rusting World’s Fair relic’s electrical system, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz confirmed on Friday.

Staircases in three observation towers and the concrete platforms that support each observation deck — all worn away by time and nature — will be reconstructed.

It’s the most extensive renovation work ever done on the structure built for the 1964-65 World’s Fair and designed by acclaimed architect Philip Johnson.

David Handschuh/New York Daily News The rusting New York State Pavilion, built for the 1964-65 World’s Fair, will get some long-overdue restoration work under a $ 5.8 million capital project approved in the city budget. Money was allocated by the Mayor’s office, City Council and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.

“I believe when people come to the city of New York – if they don’t come to Queens they haven’t seen the city of New York,” Katz told the News. “This will be one of the attractions that helps make that happen.”

Katz said she wants the Pavilion lit up as soon as possible.

“That will help secure more funding and make it part of the landscape of the borough,” she said.

David Handschuh/New York Daily News Concrete platforms on each observation deck at the New York State Pavilion will be rebuilt under a recently-funded $ 5.8 million project. The iconic structure, built for the 1964-65 World’s Fair, has deteriorated over the years but preservationists have been advocating to keep it maintained.

The funds were provided by the Mayor’s office, City Council and Katz.

“This is a big step,” said Matthew Silva, who helped start the grass-roots People for the Pavilion group to push for its preservation. “It shows commitment to really seeing this building become a prominent icon.”

lcolangelo@nydailynews.com

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