Historic Boardwalk Revival

Kitchen 21

Coney Island, NY

iStar, a real estate investment firm known for transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant destinations, set out to restore the long-abandoned Childs Restaurant on the west end of the Coney Island boardwalk. The goal was to create a flagship establishment that would catalyze local redevelopment while honoring the site’s historic and cultural significance.

The project required a highly adaptable design that could support a range of uses—welcoming beachgoers during the day, offering upscale dining in the evening, and converting into an event venue when necessary. EwingCole delivered a 15,000-square-foot space that seamlessly transitions between these functions, strengthening the connection between the community, the boardwalk, and the adjacent Ford Amphitheater.

The design features a mix of dining spaces, a feature bar, grab-and-go concessions, a rooftop bar and lounge, and a full-service kitchen and back-of-house. The interior draws on the whimsy of Coney Island’s amusement park history, infusing the space with playful elements that echo its past while embracing modern functionality.

With optimal views of the 5,000-seat Ford Amphitheater stage, Kitchen 21 caters to both event-based crowds and everyday visitors alike. The space has helped reactivate this stretch of the boardwalk, bringing renewed energy and economic opportunity to a once-vacant landmark.