Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Prospect Park Alliance

Renew

Lakeside is the largest and most ambitious project in Prospect Park since its creation, and part of the Prospect Park Alliance's commitment to preserving and enhancing the Park. At more than 26 acres, the $74 million project features the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center, the Chaim Baier Music Island and the Shelby White and Leon Levy Esplanade.

Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, in collaboration with the Alliance's landscape architecture office, the LeFrak Center is intended to blend into the natural landscape and minimally impact the environment. Its design has achieved a LEED Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, and a National Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects.

The LeFrak Center features two 6-inch to 18-inch-deep green roofs that help insulate the building interior, which reduces heating and cooling costs. The plantings on the roof also provide new habitat for wildlife-the Center sits on the site of a former 300-space parking lot.

The green roof also reduces rainwater runoff into the city's sewer system by absorbing water, which is funneled into an underground cistern. The 15,000-gallon cistern is buried in the ground behind the building. This harvested water is used to irrigate plantings on the green roof. This means that no potable water from the city water system needs to be used for this purpose.

The Prospect Park Alliance partners with the City of New York to oversee the day-to-day operation and long-term stewardship of Prospect Park. The Alliance plays a significant role in funding the operating budget that keeps the Park clean safe and beautiful. Learn how you can get involved at prospectpark.org/join.

 

Illustrations by Chris Bonnell

Submitted by @lampbane