CONEY ISLAND PARACHUTE JUMP RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM NEW YORK CONSTRUCTION

On Friday, September 15, Coney Island’s landmark Parachute Jump was recognized as one of New York’s outstanding building projects of 2006 by New York Construction, the metro region’s leading building magazine.

The selection, which was made by a panel of industry experts and executives, recognizes the Parachute Jump’s immense technical and artistic merit as well as its important contribution to the revitalization of Coney Island as a tourist attraction and year-round entertainment destination for national and international visitors.

After standing sentinel over “America’s Favorite Playground” for more than 60 years, Coney Island’s “Beacon of the Boardwalk” opened the latest chapter in its illustrious life on July 7th when its 17 newly installed lamps and 150 lighting fixtures twinkled to life for the first time. In recognition of this striking feat of artistry and engineering, a panel of experts at New York Construction will bestow the Parachute Jump with an Award of Merit in the category of Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Renovation at its annual awards ceremony on December 15.

Although the last parachute dropped long before the 277-foot-tall tower was declared a city landmark in 1988, Borough President Marty Markowitz has worked since taking office to transform the Brooklyn icon into a symbol of the exciting changes at Coney Island.

“Coney Island and its trademark Parachute Jump were cast into the shadows for too long,” said Borough President Markowitz. “Now, as the Parachute Jump and Coney Island shine magnificently for all the world to see, it’s impossible to ignore the dazzling changes taking place in America’s Favorite Playground!”

Through a partnership with the Borough President’s Office, the Mayor’s office, the city’s Economic Development Corporation, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the City Council, artist and lighting designer Leni Schwendinger, and engineering/architectural firm STV, the project took two years from inception to completion.

“It is always rewarding when a deserving project is acknowledged, but it’s especially rewarding when the project is the result of the dedication and hard work of so many people,” said EDC Interim President and Coney Island Development Corporation Chairman Joshua J. Sirefman. “The Jump has come to symbolize Coney Island’s colorful past, will now become an icon to its most promising future. I want to thank New York Construction for its recognition of this important project.”

“The Coney Island Parachute Jump Tower had sustained considerable damage after 30 years of neglect, and it was evident to us that it would be a challenge to bring it back to its former grandeur,” said STV Project Manager Albert Thompson. “Now with the completion of a comprehensive rehabilitation scope, which included dismantling the tower, making the structural repairs and repainting it, and finally showcasing the refurbished structure with a dramatic lighting display, we are thrilled that it is once again a beacon in Coney Island’s revitalization.”

“The magical transformations of light playing off an engineered structure were made possible by the intricate hard work of engineers and designers,” said Schwendiger. “Designing and engineering this kind of flexible, fluid, iconic lighting was a feat that we can all be proud of.”

Three other Brooklyn projects will also be given awards of merit at the December ceremony, including the New York City Office of Emergency Management building (in the Adaptive Reuse category), the Metropolitan Avenue Bridge renovation (Bridge), and the Kings County Hospital Center (Health Care and Hospitals).