Revamp Plans For Crumbling Civil War Monument Unveiled To UWS

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Design plans for the long-awaited renovation of one of the Upper West Side's largest monuments were presented to Community Board 7, signaling that assistance may finally be on its way.

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Riverside Park, located at West 89th Street, has been shuttered since 2017 due to drainage problems threatening the stability of its retaining walls.

However, there's hope on the horizon: Mayor Eric Adams disclosed last year that more than 60 million dollars had been earmarked for the vital task of reconstructing and modernizing this historic landmark.

Earlier this week, the first renderings of the planned redesign were unveiled to the public and voted on by the board members.

For years, the prolonged closure has been accompanied by a perimeter of metal fencing around the monument, preventing anyone from touching or closely approaching the structure.

The calls for monument restoration and reopening were led by Council Member Gale Brewer, who represents the Upper West Side.

The $62.3-million project encompasses a comprehensive restoration of the monument, Sybil Young from the Parks Department said.

In particular, this includes ensuring ADA accessibility to all exterior levels and implementing lighting solutions that are both safe and easy to maintain while enhancing the monument's nighttime appearance.

Situated at 89th Street and Riverside Drive, the 20,000-square-foot, white marble monument serves as a tribute to the 370,000 servicemembers from New York who fought for the Union during the Civil War.

The monument was completed in 1902 and was made a New York City landmark in 1976. It was later made a New York state landmark in 2001.

Initially planned for construction at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, then at 83rd Street and Riverside Drive, the monument eventually found its permanent location. President Theodore Roosevelt inaugurated the construction by laying the first stone during a ceremony in 1900.

Its last comprehensive restoration was done in 1962.

"As both a place of remembrance and an homage to those who continue to serve our country, the memorial is not just a piece of history, it is a unique contributor to the active life and character of our Park – and a treasure for our entire City," said Merritt Birnbaum, President of Riverside Park Conservancy.

Following Monday's presentation, the majority of residents and committee members responded favorably to the design, expressing excitement about the prospect of revitalizing this monument.

Young indicated, that despite progress being made, the restoration is not expected to be completed until 2027. While the design timeline is on track to be finished by next summer, additional necessary steps will impede progress.

"If we're completing the design in June 2025, there is a typically a nine-month procurement process so we're looking at another year before construction starts after that. So if it all worked according to schedule... December of 2027, " Young said.