New York, NY

The firm’s successful rehabilitation of the Beaux Arts-inspired Bryant Park included design of Bryant Park Grill and Cafe. Flanking the monument to William Cullen Bryant on the West Terrace of the New York Public Library, layers of enclosure characterize the design of the Grill. A repeating pattern of horizontals and verticals found on the Library’s great marble wall are echoed in the lines of the restaurant. The 18-foot height of this pavilion relates directly to the bottom courses of rusticated marble, forming a strong, and authoritative base for the Library’s wall above.

The restaurant has an inner layer of glass and steel surrounded by an outer layer of ipe wood trelliswork. Patterned columns are set on cast stone bases, containing a woven aluminum lattice to support seasonally blooming vines. Operable French doors and windows encourage open air dining in warm weather. Ground level plantings and a weathered wood trellis enliven the structure, integrating it with the surrounding landscape.

BP Café is a seasonal refreshment facility operating from May to October. Here, a simple system of modular wood decking, planting boxes, lattice pavilions, tables, chairs, and umbrellas have created a great public amenity. This restaurant is completely demountable in the off season.

Accommodating approximately 600 people, the cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual environment. Counter service for approximately 100 patrons is also available and equipped with overhead weather protection.

Together with the Bryant Park Grill, both facilities fulfill public demands for increased amenities within this central urban oasis.

CLIENT: Bryant Park Restoration Corporation; Ark Restaurants
COMPLETION: 1995
SIZE: 5,250 square feet