With architectural sleight of hand, usable space is concealed within a landmark building’s roof, and sunlight is introduced to liven up the approach to a Central Park playground

The reconstruction of this small but extremely visible one-story building involved enhancing its use and maximizing its usable space. In addition to expanding its 1st floor restrooms, the reconstruction covertly tucked a second storey beneath a new roof to provide space for staff offices, lunchroom and lockers.

Natural light spills from an oculus at the center of the second floor onto the newly created open air passageway which forms a gateway into the largest play area in Central Park.

In deference to its landmark status, the reconstruction utilizes the same palette of materials as the original building and achieves historic continuity with subtle and hardly noticeable alterations to its exterior.