[NYguy]

http://origin.ny1.com/content/top_st...elopment-plans

NY1 Exclusive: Sources Detail New Coney Island Development Plans

By: Jeanine Ramirez
8/21/2012

The former Child's Restaurant is not only a part of Coney Island history, it's also a city landmark. The once-grand building had its heyday back in the 1920s. It's been vacant for a long time but sources tell NY1 the city is in talks to turn the Spanish Colonial Revival structure into an entertainment complex. "I think it would be incredible if the Child's building was re-opened as an entertainment venue," says Coney Island historian and author Charles Denson. "It's one of the gems of Coney Island. The arches in front have the most beautiful terracotta. It's all nautical themed."

Sources say its centerpiece will be a new concert venue. Borough President Marty Markowitz has long dreamed of building an amphitheater to hold his annual outdoor summer concert series by the sea. Sources tell NY1 Markowitz has raised about $50 million for an enclosed concert facility but that money will now be used for this project. Sources say the lot west of the building will also be developed as part of the complex.

NY1 has also learned that the historic B&B carousel, which will be housed in a newly created pavilion, has a new operator. Sources say the city chose Zamperla, which already runs the Cyclone, Luna Park and Scream Zone.

Over on Surf and Stillwell Avenues, sources tell NY1 a Wet Willies Daquiri Bar franchise deal is in the works. It would be the first in the city for the Georgia-based frozen drink chain. And across Surf, a contractor says he's building space for two restaurants. Hooters reportedly has an interest in the site after finding opposition in other parts of the borough. That news is drawing mixed reaction.

A look at the landmarked Childs building...


RealMattKane