St. Mary’s Park - West Comfort Station
Bronx, NY
St. Mary’s Park was at the forefront of the development of recreation programs in the Bronx, including the borough’s first playground which opened in 1914. Adjacent to the playground, the West Comfort Station was constructed in 1935 in the Colonial Revival style, articulated by brick walls, stone trim, slate roof, and multi-pane windows. Over the years, alterations diminished the historic character of the building. The masonry was painted, the windows were infilled with brick, and security grilles were installed.
LSA was the Preservation Architect for the exterior restoration and interior renovation of the West Comfort Station, which was part of a comprehensive reconstruction of St. Mary’s Park for the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, with Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects serving as the prime consultant. The project restored the building’s historic character; improved function, safety, security, and accessibility; and provides a welcoming and safe environment for the community of St. Mary’s Park.