Childs Restaurant Building

Designation date: January, 2011

The Childs Restaurant Building on Surf Avenue in Coney Island was the first restaurant built for this well-known chain in Coney Island. It was constructed in 1917 in West Brighton near the terminus of the Prospect Park and Coney Island Railway line and close by many of the most famous amusements of the area.

Originally designed by John C. Westervelt who worked for the Childs chain for many years, the building displays elements of the Spanish Revival style, seen in its overhanging red tile roof, round-arched openings and white facade. Its wide arches facing two streets served as grand welcoming gestures to crowds passing by, while the style suggests a warm Mediterranean resort and hint at the fun to be had in Coney Island.

*Excerpt from the Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report

STATUS Designated Individual Landmark

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Coney Island faces Lower New York Bay and Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and was formerly part of Gravesend, one of Brooklyn’s original six towns. Originally an island it was connected to Brooklyn (Long Island) by landfill in the early 20th century.

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City Lore, Folklorist
Bronx Music Heritage Center, Co-Artistic Director

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