Ambitious proposals keep on coming for the Kingsbridge Armory. A group of developers and educators submitted a proposal to the city for the world’s largest ice sports center and the New York Daily News got more details on their vision. The proposal, headed by former Deutsche Bank executive Kevin Parker, features nine indoor rinks and includes the possible acquisition of land north of the armory for an ice sports-themed public school. It’s backed by the Urban Assembly education franchise, New York Rangers legend Mark Messier and Olympic skater Sarah Hughes.
Parker wants Murray Beynon, who led the Madison Square Garden renovation, to design a privately funded $250 million renovation of the armory with five rinks on the ground-floor, including a center rink with 5,000 seats, four rinks on the mezzanine and one outside. Locker rooms and parking would be included for the ground floor. No major restaurant or stores are planned.
Parker’s proposal, submitted to the city in March, is vastly different than the one developer Young Woo unveiled, which includes a creative market, an anchor store, a concert and sports venue and a movie theater. The city is expected to select a winning bid as early as next month, the News said. [NYDN]