Terrace on the Park
| Company type | Public event venue |
|---|---|
| Industry | Event hosting, banquet facility |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Headquarters | Queens, New York City , United States |
| Products | Banquet and event hosting services |
| Owner | New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |
Terrace on the Park is a banquet facility situated at 5211 111th Street inside Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in the Corona area of Queens, New York City. Originally constructed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as the Port Authority Pavilion for the 1964 New York World's Fair, it functioned as both an exhibition space and a heliport. The building was designed by lead architect Allan Gordon Lorimer, with engineering contributions from John Kyle and Ray Monti, and is located just south of the New York Hall of Science.
Robert Moses, who was president of the World's Fair Corporation, envisioned a restaurant combined with a heliport for the fair. In 1961, the Port Authority revealed plans to build a restaurant and heliport within the transportation zone. The structure officially opened on October 16, 1963, prior to the fair’s commencement. Throughout the 1964 and 1965 fairs, it housed a rooftop heliport, the Top of the Fair dining establishment, and exhibit areas at ground level. Subsequently, it was repurposed into an event venue overseen by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and underwent refurbishment during the 2010s.
The building’s framework is supported by four stilts linked by a circular truss near their tops, creating a "T" shape on each side. The lower level formerly contained exhibit spaces including a circular theater. The restaurant spans two floors near the upper portion of the stilts. The original heliport atop the roof has been converted into an open-air terrace.
World's Fair use
Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, which was initially an ash landfill, served as the site for the 1939/1940 New York World's Fair and was subsequently transformed into parkland. This location was chosen again in 1959 to host the 1964 New York World's Fair. Designers Gilmore David Clarke and Michael Rapuano, responsible for the original fair’s layout, adapted their plans for this later event. Robert Moses, New York City’s parks commissioner, acted as president of the World's Fair Corporation that leased the park until its reversion to city parkland in 1967. In 1960, Guy F. Tozzoli from the Port of New York Authority was appointed by the corporation to manage development within the fair’s transportation zone.
Development and opening
At an early stage in planning, Moses proposed combining a heliport with a restaurant facility. In September 1961, the Port Authority announced intentions to build an exhibition pavilion and heliport within the transportation area featuring a -high structure housing a 1,000-seat restaurant with an estimated cost of $2.4 million. New York Airways planned to operate seven 25-seat Boeing 107 helicopters connecting this heliport with Manhattan at speeds reaching . Completion was initially targeted for January 1964. Moses sought restaurant operators such as Restaurant Associates or those behind the 21 Club, but both parties required another entity to develop the building—a condition Moses declined.
By early 1962, a scale model including the heliport was created by the WFC. Midway through that year, Knott Hotel Corporation agreed to manage the pavilion’s two-story restaurant named Top of the Fair. In November 1962, after rejecting higher bids, a $3.7 million construction contract was awarded to W. J. Barney Corporation; U.S. Steel's American Bridge Company supplied structural components. Niles Communications Centers Inc. produced a panoramic 360-degree film showcasing New York City for display in the pavilion using a specialized ten-camera system mounted on trucks, boats, and helicopters. The heliport operation was contracted to United Aircraft, which paid $750,000 plus revenue sharing above $2.6 million to the Port Authority. The opening date was moved forward to October 1963 to accommodate early events.
The Port Authority Building debuted on October 16, 1963, becoming the first completed construction on the World's Fair grounds at an approximate cost of $2.6–2.7 million. Initially lacking an in-house band, its restaurant began welcoming guests while other fairgrounds remained under construction; exhibits on ground level opened concurrently with the fair itself. Helicopter test flights between this pavilion and Manhattan began late in 1963. Early in 1964, United Aircraft and New York Airways reached an agreement allowing New York Airways exclusive rights to operate helicopters from this heliport.
The WFC anticipated that most attendees would arrive via car, bus, taxi, or train rather than by helicopter or boat through the World's Fair Marina. With minimal competition on-site initially, Top of the Fair experienced strong patronage during its early operation.
1964 season
The World's Fair officially commenced on April 22, 1964, but New York Airways' flights from the pavilion started five days later due to inclement weather conditions. Serving as a prominent symbol within the fair's transportation section, the structure was visible from nearly every location on the grounds. The Port Authority described it as the fair’s "aerial gateway" or "air gateway to the fair." The building incorporated exhibition spaces at ground level, housed the Top of the Fair restaurant just beneath the roof, and featured a heliport on its rooftop. New York Airways provided helicopter connections to JFK Airport, Newark Airport, and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, along with aerial tours over the fairgrounds. Plans to initiate flights to the Pan Am Building heliport were postponed because of tenant objections; that heliport eventually opened late in 1965. The heliport was capable of managing up to 20 flights per hour, with six-minute rides priced as high as $6.50.
The Top of the Fair restaurant served international dishes daily, with typical dinner prices ranging from $5 to $7.50, excluding drinks. Visitors were required to pay both the fair’s entrance fee and an additional $1 for a menu; photographers roamed among guests capturing moments. The menu primarily featured French cuisine complemented by some Greek specialties, including oysters, liver, crab ravigote, and various hors d'oeuvres. Only one brand of instant coffee—Chase and Sanborn—was offered. The exclusive Terrace Club, consisting of 250 members, charged a $1,200 membership fee and counted diplomat Ralph Bunche among its board members. The Port Authority pavilion anticipated accommodating up to 30,000 visitors daily, with Robert Moses frequently hosting receptions there. Exhibits included a panoramic 360-degree film titled From Every Horizon showcasing New York City and a scale model of the original World Trade Center.
Initially, helicopters transported between 800 and 900 passengers daily; however, most attendees merely passed by without entering the pavilion. In June, New York Airways began operating helicopter service linking the pavilion with TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport through an agreement with Trans World Airlines. By mid-1964, Top of the Fair faced criticism over subpar service and steep prices amid competition from more than one hundred other dining options at the fairground. Restaurant Associates entered negotiations to take over management. Although the restaurant filed for bankruptcy protection in August, it remained open under Knott Hotels’ supervision. Starting in September, the building displayed photographs taken by Port Authority photographers.
1965 season
Following the conclusion of the fair’s initial season on October 18, 1964, it was anticipated that the rooftop restaurant at the Port Authority Pavilion would continue operations during the off-season. Instead, Top of the Fair closed quietly after Knott Hotels and creditors failed to reach an agreement. On November 17, a court-appointed trustee assumed control and auctioned off the restaurant's inventory of food and wine. In March 1965, Restaurant Associates took over management and appointed Frederick Rufe as manager. Monte Streitfeld was commissioned to design new staff uniforms while George Lois of Papert Koenig Lois spearheaded a marketing campaign featuring images of the Port Authority Building to draw patrons. Renovations were also implemented in the restaurant.
When exhibits reopened on April 21, 1965, Restaurant Associates lowered food prices at Top of the Fair; lunch was offered for less than $3 while dinner started at $4.95. The restaurant hosted dances twice a week and allowed visitors free re-entry to the fair using invisible ink hand stamps when dining there. The updated menu included hors d'oeuvres, soups, main courses such as stuffed flounder and lamb dishes, along with nineteen dessert options. Servers delivered delicacies via carts throughout the venue.
By July, lunch service was discontinued due to insufficient demand; operations were limited exclusively to evening meals. Despite daytime challenges, evening patronage increased after admission fees were waived for those dining at the restaurant. The heliport welcomed distinguished guests including Princess Benedikte of Denmark and The Beatles prior to their Shea Stadium concert. The second season ended on October 17, 1965; Top of the Fair emerged as one of the fair’s most successful high-end dining establishments.
Although Robert Moses recommended demolishing most pavilions after the fair ended, the Port Authority heliport was among a select few structures preserved. While funds were allocated for demolition by the Port Authority, Moses declined their proposal.
Initial intentions
Following the conclusion of the fair, Baum intended to maintain restaurant operations while transforming the ground floor into a space for events. The Community Center of Long Island also expressed interest in managing the facility. Both the Terrace Club and Top of the Fair continued functioning under a gentlemen’s agreement and a two-year contract with the WFC. Towards the end of 1965, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) revealed plans to assume control of the Port Authority Pavilion as part of its development strategy for the nearby Queens Zoo, officially taking over in December.
In January 1966, Restaurant Associates shuttered Top of the Fair, attributing the closure to annual financial losses amounting to $100,000. Post-closure, the building’s fate was unclear as parks commissioner Thomas Hoving reconsidered the city’s acquisition decision. NYC Parks evaluated options such as demolition or repurposing it into a combined theater and restaurant, estimating demolition expenses could reach $400,000 if no tenant emerged. By early 1967, efforts to find a restaurant operator were still underway.
In June 1967, municipal authorities formally took over Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, including the former pavilion. The structure remained unused until 1969 as the city declined to finance its demolition.
Functioning as an event space
Continental Hosts assumed management of the concession in 1969 and rebranded the building as Terrace on the Park. Since then, it has served as a venue for mayoral gatherings, weddings, high school proms, and various private occasions. Memorable events included lavish celebrations such as a groom’s horseback arrival and a bar mitzvah that featured a baby elephant. The site also hosted festivities for Ghanaian king Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, complete with cultural performances. Notably, celebrities like Madonna were employed there during the 1970s, and actress Fran Drescher held her wedding at this location.
Management under Continental Hosts
Upon acquiring Terrace on the Park in 1969, Continental Hosts invested between $2.5 million and $3 million in refurbishments. Renovations involved dividing the original restaurant into smaller sections and constructing the Penthouse ballroom atop what was once a heliport. According to their contract with the city, operators contributed roughly 7% of gross revenue to municipal authorities. By late 1969, the venue was hosting weddings along with bar and bat mitzvahs, employing musicians, florists, and photographers for these events. During the 1970s, Feathers in the Park operated within the building as an American cuisine restaurant but closed in the 1980s due to insufficient profitability.
A post-World’s Fair oversight resulted in utility meters not being installed initially, leading to years of electricity costs covered by the city. In 1979, after facing a lawsuit threat valued at $1.7 million, Lewin installed electric and gas meters. This conflict nearly caused termination of the Lewin family’s concession; however, it was resolved in 1985 when they agreed to pay $1 million and continue leasing until 1993.
Throughout the 1980s, Terrace on the Park functioned solely as a catering venue despite lease clauses mandating public access. Between 1983 and 1988, it generated about $56 million in revenue and employed approximately 135 full-time employees. The facility hosted roughly 40 high school proms yearly alongside weddings and club gatherings. Food vendors operated carts outside serving park visitors. Plans to open an adjacent café were abandoned due to renovations at Queens Zoo. By 1996, with lease expiration approaching, NYC Parks sought a new operator willing to reopen a restaurant at Terrace on the Park.
Makkos and Kaloidis Era
After Continental Hosts' lease at Terrace on the Park concluded in early 1997, NYC Parks sought a new management team. That same year, the property was leased to Crystal Ball Group, whose leadership included George and Thomas Makkos. Subsequently, George Makkos, alongside his business associate Jimmy Kaloidis, assumed operational control. Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, the venue underwent extensive renovations valued between $8 million and $12 million. Although the original restaurant and penthouse remained intact, the cocktail lounge area was repurposed into storage space.
By the end of the 2000s, Terrace on the Park was hosting roughly 200 corporate and organizational gatherings annually but faced challenges in attracting fresh clientele despite proactive marketing efforts. In 2010, City Controller John Liu criticized the operators for not delivering on a promised full-service restaurant; NYC Parks clarified that a snack bar had been installed instead.
By 2011, the facility was accommodating as many as 40 events per month, frequently managing simultaneous weddings and proms. Reflecting the cultural diversity of Queens, the menu included an array of cuisines, featuring kosher and halal options. As Makkos and Kaloidis’s lease approached its end in 2013, NYC Parks opened bidding for new leases while the current operators planned upgrades to the banquet hall.
A renovation project valued at $9 million reached completion in September 2017. The Crystal Ball Group, a privately owned company, continues to manage Terrace on the Park as a venue for weddings, proms, and various events. Annually, they remit to NYC Parks either 20% of gross revenue or $2.5 million—whichever amount is higher.
Description
Situated at 5211 111th Street within Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York City, Terrace on the Park lies near the junction with 52nd Avenue. The facility was engineered by the Port Authority’s team, with Allan Gordon Lorimer serving as chief architect. Supporting him were engineers John Kyle and Ray Monti along with planning director E. Donald Mills. Construction was overseen by W. J. Barney Corporation as general contractor, while M. Parisi & Son handled foundation work.
The building is encircled by landscaped gardens and includes a nearby gazebo. It neighbors the New York Hall of Science to its north and is flanked by the Queens Zoo to both south and east. The former location of the Underground World Home lies between Terrace on the Park and the Hall of Science. From its rooftop vantage point, visitors can see landmarks such as the Unisphere, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and Citi Field.
Exterior
The structure is elevated on four stilts positioned centrally on each side of its "T"-shaped footprint—a design symbolizing "transportation." The rectangular building spans approximately . These stilts contain stairwells and elevators linked at their tops by elliptical box girders. Initially, a heliport measuring between and occupied this rooftop space but was replaced during the 1960s by a Penthouse ballroom. By the 2010s, this ballroom had been transformed into an outdoor terrace. The roof also includes a pergola designed for weddings and is surfaced with about 12,000 pavers.
Ground level
The ground level contained exhibit space dedicated to the Port Authority, which included a 250-seat theater featuring a 360-degree film projection using ten projectors arranged around the walls. Due to the theater’s circular configuration—measuring 60 feet across with a screen circumference of 195 feet—audiences remained standing during presentations. This adaptable area could accommodate up to 400 attendees either as an exhibition hall or a theater in the round. Entry to the rooftop heliport, restaurant, and observation deck was gained through this exhibit zone. By the early 2000s, it had been repurposed as an event venue adorned with Baroque-inspired interior design.
Dining facilities
Situated below the heliport was a restaurant seating between 1,000 and 1,100 guests, highlighted by a glass wall and including the 250-seat Terrace Club. The main dining room was originally designed by Lorimer alongside art director Arturo Pini di San Miniato, interior designer Chandler Cudlipp, and architects Berger & Hennessy, featuring an elevated ceiling decorated in gold and blue hues. After the fair concluded, this space was subdivided into five distinct rooms: Penthouse, Grand Ballroom, Regency, Terrace, and Garden—each equipped with its own reception, coat check, and kitchen facilities. By the 2010s, the layout consisted of three expansive ballrooms encircled by smaller function rooms.
The restaurant displayed significant artworks such as Lumen Martin Winter’s expansive 28-foot-wide painting Venus and Apollo and three murals by Luis Quintanilla. The Terrace Club showcased watercolors and engravings. Cartoonist Rube Goldberg contributed a piece titled How to Cure World's Fair Tired Feet, illustrating whimsical contraptions. Another artwork depicted public infrastructure projects associated with Robert Moses—including Jones Beach State Park and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge—although Moses himself denied involvement.
Beneath the restaurant was a circular observatory accompanied by a cocktail lounge named Around the World, which seated 400 patrons. The lounge wrapped around the floor with two concentric rows of tables surrounding a central kitchen connected via escalators to the main dining level. Renovations in the 2010s transformed this lounge area into a promenade beneath the ballroom housing two suites—Lotus and Marquis—each seating about 200 guests.
Critical reception
Upon its debut, a New York Daily News reporter described the structure as "a landing table perched on 15-story legs." In New York 1960, Robert A. M. Stern and his co-authors labeled it "decidedly uninspired," despite its function as an entry point to the World's Fair, while Progressive Architecture criticized its continued existence after the fair ended. Looking back, Lawrence R. Samuel (2007) interpreted the Port Authority Pavilion as a reflection of Moses’s role as a powerful political figure. Preservation advocate Jeffrey Kroessler (2011) regarded it as an emblem of mid-1960s optimism and futuristic helicopter travel concepts. Joseph Tirella characterized it as a "modernist rectangular box" with an originally much-criticized restaurant.
Regarding the Top of the Fair dining venue, Craig Claiborne observed in 1963 that its décor, service quality, and cuisine were inconsistent. Following renovations completed in 1965, Claiborne commended it as "a thoroughly respectable place with an impressive menu and commendable imagination," while Newsday hailed it as "the great success story of the year."