Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center receives prestigious architecture award

The recently constructed Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park has received The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2015 Honor Award, the highest honor in the architectural field.

“The restoration of Lakeside has set the bar in terms of what can be achieved in Prospect Park, and we look forward to continuing to further this vision,” said President of the Prospect Park Alliance Sue Donoghue.

The center, which opened in December, 2013 and has since received numerous design awards, offers residents seasonal activities such as ice skating, roller skating and boating, as well as office space, a cafe and picnic areas.

The AIA Honor Award Jury, which considered nearly 500 candidates for the award, praised the Lefrak Center for its seamless integration into the natural design of the park.

“The stonework grounds it as a landmark within the park, while the openness of the design itself allows for complete amalgamation with the view and the experience of nature,” the jury said. “Every design decision was made so as to ease use on patrons and also to minimize the impact on the park.”

The $74 million recreational facility restored 26 acres of the park and is considered by the AIA to be the largest, most ambitious project in the park since its creation in 1867.

“This is a beautiful, natural spot for visitors to enjoy a sensory experience,” the AIA said.

The Samuel J. and Ethel Lefrak Center at Lakeside is located at 171 East Drive in Prospect Park. For hours and admission information, visit prospectpark.org

 

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.