What started as a one of its kind architectural achievement has grown into one of the boroughs most familiar faces. Since it was first opened as the gateway to the 1964 World’s Fair, the uniquely designed Terrace on the Park has been an important and iconic part of Queens’ history.
Originally designed as a heliport for the international event, the grand “T” shaped structure in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park that can be seen from miles away now serves as the boroughs premiere venue for weddings, birthdays, proms, trade shows, or any other imaginable function. According to Eleni Thermos, operations manager, the ability to accommodate any request put forth is all part of what keeps people satisfied and coming back for more.
“Terrace on the Park is not your average catering hall or banquet hall,” said Thermos, who has been working there since 1999. “There are no challenges that we are not willing to take on. Everything we do is custom. Our clients tell us what they want; we show them what we have and we work with them till the very end.”
Located just south of the New York Hall of Science, Terrace on the Park, owned and operated by George Makkos and Dimitrios Kaliodis, boasts three elegant ballrooms with the grand ball room located an elevator trip up 15 stories. The penthouse deck on the top story provides luscious views of the Unisphere, Citi Field and the Manhattan Skyline along with a stylish setting to enjoy a drink or a chat with friends or co-workers. While Queens is New York City’s largest borough, the lack of a convention center has pushed Terrace on the Park to the top of the list in terms of trade shows where more than 2,000 people can filter between vendor floor space and other areas set up for gourmet buffet.
“For Queens, we are it,” said Thermos. “Even hotels can’t accommodate that large of a crowd. It’s different when people arrive for a trade show and they see Terrace on the Park – it’s got the ‘wow’ factor.”
The ‘wow’ factor is not limited to just the buildings structure. Inside the marble lobby, patrons will find shimmering crystal chandeliers, European antiques and beautifully designed mirrored walls. Each employee from server to manager wear tuxedos during event hours to project what Thermos calls a higher standard of class, service and care that goes into making each visitor feel special.
On the land surrounding the building, maintenance crews work year round to make sure seasonal plantings liven the vicinity including their fairy-tale-esqe gazebo. Crystal Ball Group, Inc. entered a license agreement with the city’s parks department in 1998 making them solely responsible for catering facility and renovations. Since then, more than $8 million dollars have been invested towards improving the landscape and adding modern amenities while at the same time maintaining its history and nostalgic essence.
“As times change, we adapt,” said Thermos, a lifelong Queens resident. “Every day is a constant upkeep and we like to put a fresh face on our events. And in this diverse borough, you can learn something new every day.”
Whether it’s a Greek wedding, Irish wedding, Italian or Indian, Thermos says that one of the best parts of her job is regularly seeing people celebrate life and helping to facilitate the joy. Terrace on the Park offers an extensive selection of culinary masterpieces custom made to fit all tastes. From various garden salads, white-glove service hors d’oeuvres, an extended list of entrees, carving stations and wine stewards available, as well as an ice cream bar, chocolate fondue and the very best of French tiered treats, those worried feeding their guests appropriately can rest easy. But the food is only one reason why generations of families marry at Terrace on the Park.
“There’s a lot of sentimental and nostalgic value in this community. People that have been married here bring their sons and daughters to get married here as well, not only because we can provide the space, but because there is something indefinable about being here and it has always been done the right way,” said Thermos.
The halls of Terrace on the Park have been passed through by kings and queens, presidential hopefuls, leaders of men and the gods of popular music. Before their historic show at Shea Stadium in 1965, The Beatles landed on the building’s heliport and were escorted to the venue in an armored car. Years later, a pre-pop-princess Madonna worked at Terrace on the Park as an elevator operator. Current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made many speaking engagements in the Grand Ballroom over the years as well as every New York City mayor since 1964.
Apart from trade shows and weddings, Terrace on the Park is an ideal location for fashion shows, charity events, meetings, awards dinners and dances, bat mitzvahs and many more. They are also available on certain holidays. Their annual New Year’s Eve party brings in close to 600 patrons each year for an evening of wining, dining and a spectacular fireworks display courtesy of the Parks Department.
The idea behind having the world fair in Queens in the mid-60s was to bring together different people from all cultures, creeds, colors and beliefs with the theme, “Peace through Understanding.” Today, Terrace on the Park, one of the few remaining relics from that transitional period, still embodies that same sense of spirit in the most diverse county in nation.
Terrace on the Park is located at 52-11 111th Street in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park. To learn more information about upcoming events or to make an event reservation, call 718-592-5000, email info@terraceonthepark.com or visit www.terraceonthepark.com.
“There is no event that we cannot handle,” said Thermos.
