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The Winter of the World's Fair's Discontent
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 10, 2009
Modified Feb 10, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 10, 2009
Modified Feb 10, 2009
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Last we checked in on the World's Fair site, the 130' x 166' terrazzo replica of a Texaco New York State road map, created in the mid-60s by architect Philip Johnson, was in "advanced disrepair." So much so that the Queens Museum of Art revisited the map in its original glory, as well as the present-day plans to protect it (the Parks Department and UPenn's Historic Preservation program had been working to restore some of the map).
Now the Daily News (via Queens News) reports that the city chose not to protect the map from the winter elements, and "preservationists fear frost will dislodge or fracture panels on the map." Allegedly conservators handed the city a fairly simple plan to protect the relic, but they never went through with it, stopping about $20,000 short of purchasing all the materials needed.
Surprisingly, cutbacks aren't even noted as being an issue. "John Krawchuk, historic preservation director for the Parks Department, admitted the city has the cash but decided to direct it elsewhere." Upon an upcoming review of the stability of the Tent of Tomorrow rotunda that surrounds the map, Krawchuk added: “Demolition is always a possibility."
Tagged
map
pavillion
preservation
Texaco map
world's fair
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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