Preserving History: McCarren Pool Restoration Project

McCarren Pool and Bathhouse: A Marvelous Restoration Project

McCarren Pool and Bathhouse is a New York City landmark building that was constructed during the WPA program. It was one of the 11 city-owned public pools that opened in 1936, providing new pool facilities throughout the city. After almost 50 years of operation, it was closed and vacated in 1983. However, in 2012, the PlaNYC initiative invested $50 million to renew and reopen this beloved Brooklyn recreational destination. Marvel Architects, Landscape Architects, Urban Designers, PLLC, a reputable architectural studio, led the marvelous restoration project.

Preserving History and Adding New Features

The rehabilitation of the McCarren Pool and Bathhouse preserved the historic bathhouse building and grand entry archway. The project also added new features that complement the original design. Two new open-air changing pavilions were built on the pool deck, and a year-round indoor recreation and community center now occupies the historic building. Inside the 50,843 square foot building, visitors can enjoy a basketball court, weight and cardio areas, multipurpose meeting rooms, and offices. The community center is a vibrant hub for recreational and social activities.

Discovering and Reusing Original Features

During the restoration project, Marvel Architects discovered and reused many original features. The wire storage baskets that were used for swimmers were found and reused on the ceiling of the two building lobbies. Salvaged wood planks from the Coney Island boardwalk were refinished and now line many of the walls of the community rooms and pavilions. These original features add character and charm to the renovated space, connecting visitors to the pool's rich history.

A Versatile and Sustainable Recreational Destination

The original rectangular pool was transformed into a giant U with a beach deck at its center. With a capacity for 1500 swimmers, the pool covers 37,571 square feet and holds over a million gallons of water, circulating at up to 6,000 gallons a minute. In the winter, the beach-deck can be transformed into an ice-skating rink, and in the off-seasons, it can host other large gatherings. The McCarren Pool and Bathhouse is not only a versatile recreational destination but also a sustainable one. The project incorporated green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavers to manage stormwater runoff.

In recognition of its excellent restoration, the McCarren Pool and Bathhouse project received the Masterworks Award for Best Restoration. The project successfully preserved the historic building while adding new features that meet the needs of the community. The McCarren Pool and Bathhouse is now a lively and sustainable recreational destination that honors its past and embraces its future.

Read also about the WOOD-SKIN Presents Dreamer's Lounge: Innovative Architecture for a Cause project