After 5 years of repairs, NYC mulls demolition of historic West Village rec center
A century-old West Village recreation center has been closed for repairs for five years — but city officials on Wednesday said the space is in such bad shape they’re now considering tearing it down altogether.
The city has allocated about $20 million to fix the center since 2019, but crews have since uncovered more structural problems than were previously known. Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said it may be unsalvageable.Donoghue gave a tour of the space on Monday, two days before the department planned to tell the local community board it may need to be torn down.
The rec center's closure and possible destruction mark the loss of a public place West Villagers have enjoyed for generations.The center affectionately known as "Tony Dap" took its current name 20 years ago from a longtime chair of the local community board.. It was once operated by three city agencies, but the parks department took full control in 1938. The outdoor pool opened a year after that.
Parks officials did not say what they would do with the lot if the building is torn down or repurposed, but noted any decision would be made in consultation with the community board.Any changes would require years of work. The building is landmarked, and Donoghue said the Landmarks Preservation Commission will have to approve any decisions regarding what to do with the space.
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