Activists pushing for the preservation of Forest Hills’ West Side Tennis Stadium may have netted some hope this month.
A nonprofit submitted a proposal before the Nov. 4 deadline to take over the run-down stadium, remodel it and operate it in the long term.
The historic location hosted the U.S. Open was from 1923 to 1977, but in recent years, it seemed destined to only host condos. Multiple developers have expressed interest in bulldozing the stadium in favor of residential real estate.
But a new proposal from Stadium Arts Alliance (SAA) would update and repair the stadium — including installing stadium seating instead of the current wooden benches, building new walkways and arches, and replacing the barbed-wire fence with an iron one.
“People, when they see it, when it’s done, it’ll look very much like it looked … when it opened,” Kevin McCabe, president of SAA said.
If the West Side Tennis Club approves the proposal, SAA would take on a long-term lease of the stadium. SAA wants to run year-round activities, from ice hockey to musical events, but the focus, McCabe said, is bringing tennis back to Forest Hills.
In October 2010, WSTC’s voting members rejected a plan by Cord Meyer Development to build condos on the site. Now, members might get a chance to vote on a plan that could bring the venue back to its former glory.
Cord Meyer submitted another residential proposal was well, and members are expected to choose a winning bid early next year.
Incoming president Roland Meier and club’s general manager did not return request for comment by press time.
Community groups like the Rego-Forest Preservation Council have fought to protect the stadium’s heritage in the past.
The council’s chairman, Michael Perlman, said this new plan is a welcome one.
“We will support any plan that encompasses tennis, music and art festivals, and restores the iconic features of the iconic stadium,” Perlman said in a statement. “There is always hope towards preserving and reusing our historic sites, as long as there is creativity, dedication, and proactive teamwork.”
By Jeremiah Dobruck
