Grecian Shelter
Also known as: Croquet Shelter
Why it's listed
Set along the Parkside Avenue edge of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, this one-story peristyle was built in 1905 and recalls a Greek temple. Twenty-eight marble columns with Corinthian capitals and square corner piers carry a trabeated structure topped by an ornate terra cotta entablature, with a vine-patterned frieze, decorated modillions and a balustrade with ornamental swags at the corners. Inside, the vaulted ceiling uses Guastavino tile and the platform is covered in glazed beveled brick. The shelter sits midway between the Park Circle and Ocean Avenue entrances, both designed by McKim, Mead and White, and serves as a link between them. South of the lake, it gives visitors a broad view of the water and a quiet retreat from the city. Neglected for years, it was rehabilitated in 1966 under the Parks Department's Monuments Officer. It was originally labeled the Croquet Shelter on the plans, though croquet was played elsewhere in the park. It is regarded as an architectural standout in the city.
Significance in brief: The nomination presents the shelter as a classical peristyle evoking a Greek temple, linking two park entrances designed by McKim, Mead and White. It is described as probably without architectural equal among early 20th century peristyles in New York City. It also offers a view over the lake and a refuge from the city.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 72000852, listed January 20, 1972. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Prospect Park near Parkside Ave., New York |
|---|---|
| County | Brooklyn |
| Listed | January 20, 1972 |
| Reference number | 72000852 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1905 |
| Architect / builder | McKim, Mead and White (architects of the associated park entrances) |
| Architectural style | Classical, Greek temple-style peristyle |
| Areas of significance | Landscape Architecture, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition listed as excellent and unaltered; rehabilitated in 1966 after years of neglect; publicly owned by the City of New York Department of Parks. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.65365, -73.96698 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 72000852.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5601553
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.