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Poe Bandstand Back in Swing

Officials and park advocates gathered on Aug. 11 to celebrate the restoration of the Poe Park Bandstand, which had been the site of popular music concerts from the 1930s through the 1970s.

The $374,000 restoration included repair of the columns and bases, a new staircase, restored railings and new lighting. There is also now storage space beneath the structure.

Beginning in 2001, Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation (FBHC) spearheaded the efforts to secure funding for the project, working with the city Parks Department to write a grant to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for $88,000. With the support of Assemblyman Jose Rivera, the grant was approved in 2003. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Council Member Joel Rivera and the JM Kaplan Fund also provided funding for the project.

The bandstand project follows the 2002 renovation of the entire park and a design for a $2.2 million vistors center highlighting the park’s namesake, Edgar Allan Poe, is expected in the next two to four months. The park, which is home to Poe Cottage, is located on the Grand Concourse at the corner of Kingsbridge Road.

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