Grant and the Campaign for a Third Term

Overlook Pavilion Update

The National Park Service has begun work to restore the dilapidated overlook pavilion across the street from Grant's Tomb. The project will occur in two phases. Phase 1 consists of restoring the exterior shell of the pavilion and rehabilitating the interior to include the addition of a ranger contact station, four public restroom fixtures (two for men, two for women), and an exhibit and information area.

Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by the fall of this year. Phase 2 work, which will be conducted by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, will include lighting, the reconstruction of adjacent pavement and stairs, reconstruction of the surrounding landscape, and the installation of a new wheelchair-accessible ramp to the lower level of the pavilion.

The GMA sees the anticipated use of those facilities as a temporary remedy for some of the site's present deficiencies. The space is too limited and inaccessible to serve as a true "visitor center," but the restoration is a welcome development nearly 100 years after the pavilion was constructed.