NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park is set to reopen this summer after the city signed a contract with its new operator Monday.
Legends Hospitality, which also runs concessions at Yankee Stadium and the One World Observatory, will run the boathouse's restaurant, snack bar and rowboat rentals.
According to the Gothamist, the group is required by the agreement to spend at least $3.2 million on upgrades to the space, including renovating its restrooms and connecting its two outdoor dining patios.
The 10-year agreement, which follows the city's announcement that the legendary Manhattan space would reopen, calls for the boathouse to be ready for public use by June 1 — a deadline that can be extended at the discretion of park officials, according to the contract.
The contract reportedly requires Legends to pay the city an annual fee of $750,000 on top of a portion of the boathouse's sales.
In addition to renovating the boathouse, which was first opened in 1872, Richard Porteus, vice president of the hospitality group, said in February that he intends to advance ticket sales on boats and add the ability to use debit or credit cards to eliminate long lines for rentals and simplify the process.
Legends also plans to update the restaurant's menus with items like a $23 mushroom toast dish and a $25 hamburger, as well as collaborate with a group of "iconic chefs."
