Monday, September 23, 2013

Alley Pond getting new nature center


From the Queens Chronicle:

After years of delays and cramped quarters, Alley Pond Environmental Center in Douglaston will be getting a new headquarters, with work expected to begin next year.

Irene Scheid, executive director of APEC, told the Chronicle exclusively, that years of planning and soliciting funds have finally paid off. “We are very excited,” Scheid said. “This will meet our needs for the future and will provide a better laid-out facility.”

Plans call for a $9 million building that will be constructed behind the existing facility at 228-06 Northern Blvd. It now houses one of APEC’s parking lots. Once the new facility is completed, the old building, which started out as an outdoor furniture store, will be razed to create additional parking space.

Parks Department spokesman Zach Feder said the exterior of the new structure will be clad in brick, glass and steel. The landscape work includes grading, paving and planting, as well as constructing the new parking lot along Northern Boulevard.

The parking lot will be designed to capture and retain storm water on site.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks very attractive, and speaking of LEED-certified structures, the queens Botanical Garden's Master Plan remains unfinished.

Anonymous said...

Finally....will visit when it's finished in 2020. This is Queens remember.

KG2V said...

As a life member, I've commented on their horrid lighting, treatment of some of the collections they have been given (One of the best sets of mounted butterflies of the north east - given as a bequest, never displayed - wish Dad had never speced they went there, I'd have them displayed), and now this monstrosity

Anonymous said...

Those kids don't look like typical Queen's kids, too lily white. This drawing is raycis.

Anonymous said...

$9 mil. on land they already own! Must be one helluva building. Is it all money privately raised or are more public funds being used to alleviate cramped quarters?

Anonymous said...

Good for them, this needed a makeover for the last 20 years already.

Anonymous said...

Anon No. 4: Not funny Try harder next time.