Construction Almost Finished at Tremont Park

Construction on the playgrounds in Tremont Park should be finished by the end of June. (Photo by J. Evelly)

 Ongoing renovations at the two playgrounds in Tremont Park should be wrapped up in time for summer, according to a Parks Department spokesperson who says construction should be finished by the end of the month.

The two play areas along the park's eastern edge, one at Tremont Avenue and Arthur Avenue and another at Arthur Avenue and East 176th Street, have been fenced off since construction began last spring.

The renovation project is costing $4.5 million total and includes the installation of a lawn to replace the deteriorated bocce court and pathways between the two playgrounds. The city is also constructing  new benches, swings, play equipment, water play areas, fencing, and new wheelchair accessible ramps for the existing restrooms.

Bronx River Art Center Wins Two Design Awards

Design plans for the Bronx River Art Center's $8 million renovation (photo courtesy of BRAC)

The Bronx River Art Center was recently awarded two separate "pre-build" awards, honoring design plans (see photo) for the gallery's $8 million, two-year makeover that began this fall at the West Farms building on Boston Road and E. 179th Street.

The designs, by architects Sage and Coombe and designer Tattfoo Tan, scored a 2010 “Award for Design Excellence” from the New York City Design Commission and a 2011 Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects.

BRAC spent the last six years fund raising to renovate the 100-year-old building. They expect to break ground on the new one this summer. In the meantime, art classes, exhibits and other programs are being held at various guest sites throughout the Bronx until construction is finished.