Preservation Projects Award for Restoration of Ellis Island Recreation Pavilion
Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation and Save Ellis Island Honored with Preservation Projects Award for Restoration of Ellis Island Recreation Pavilion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2023
Contacts: Pam Boyd
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Ellis Island, NJ – Preservation New Jersey (PNJ), the state’s non-profit historic preservation organization, honored Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation and Save Ellis Island with the “Preservation Projects Award” for the Restoration of the Ellis Island Recreation Pavilion.
Each year, PNJ reviews organizations and individuals who have contributed in memorable and significant ways to historic preservation to the understanding and promotion of New Jersey’s rich history. Presented at the nonprofit’s annual New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony at Masker’s Barn in Union County, Thaler and Save Ellis Island were recognized for the work to restore Ellis Island’s 86-year-old Recreation Pavilion.
Located at the west end of the Ellis Island Hospital Complex on the Island's South Side, the Recreation Pavilion was constructed in 1937 as part of a larger project to develop indoor and outdoor recreation facilities at the nation’s premiere immigration station. It served as a place of outdoor respite for immigrants who were confined to one of the hospitals due to illness.
The Pavilion was constructed under Federal oversight through the Government’s “New Deal” program, under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which attempted to redirect the course of the nation that had been seriously derailed by the Great Depression.
“Restoring historic buildings and preserving landmark structures requires a team of highly skilled artisans and Mark Thaler and his team proved to be the perfect architect for the job,” said Janis Calella, Save Ellis Island president and CEO. “For decades, Ellis Island’s South Side, dubbed the “Forgotten Side,” has often been neglected. Save Ellis Island is grateful for work done on this restoration project by Thaler Wilson Reilly Architecture and Preservation and Phelps Construction Group.”
The restoration included repair and replacement of the brick and terra cotta structure, installation of a new roof and roof drainage, upgrading of the electrical system and lighting, window and door restoration. Existing finishes such as plaster walls, wood, concrete flooring, and concrete or suspended ceilings were also restored. New partitions, interior doors and frames, and wood trim were installed, as well as electric heating in one room for possible use as exhibit space. Internet cable was brought into the building through an underground system.
To learn more about Ellis Island’s Recreation Pavilion, visit https://saveellisisland.org/rehab/recreation-pavilion.
About Save Ellis Island, Inc.
Save Ellis Island, Inc., a registered 501©3 organization, is the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior’s partner for the rehabilitation of the 29 unrestored buildings on Ellis Island. Save Ellis Island’s mission is to raise the funds to restore the deteriorated, unused portion of Ellis Island and return it to use for public education and enjoyment. Save Ellis Island is committed to preserving this national treasure dedicated to America’s immigrant story – the place where 12 million immigrants first stepped foot on American soil.