Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Assistant Vice President Communications & Government Affairs Bryant Daniels reports:
As the Roosevelt Island Tramway approaches its 50th anniversary on May 17, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is launching a new public engagement initiative asking the community to help imagine a future for two original tram cabins that have sat idly beneath the island’s Motorgate Helix for more than a decade.
The cabins, which served Roosevelt Island commuters from 1976 until the Tram was overhauled in 2010, have fallen into a state of disrepair over time. The initiative invites residents, artists, designers, and members of the public to submit ideas for what the old cabins could become, including possible public art installations, historical displays, community spaces, or other creative concepts tied to Roosevelt Island’s unique identity and history.
“For more than 50 years, the Tram has been one of the defining symbols of Roosevelt Island and one of the most iconic modes of transportation in the world” said RIOC President & CEO B.J. Jones. “These cabins are an important piece of history, but after sitting neglected for years, we felt strongly that 50 should look better than this. We’re excited to invite the community into the conversation about what these old Tram cabins could become next.”
Opened in 1976 as a temporary transportation solution before the arrival of the subway, the Roosevelt Island Tramway evolved into a permanent and internationally recognized part of New York City’s transit network.
Submissions will be accepted through a new page on RIOC’s website, where participants can share ideas for potential uses, placement, artistic concepts, and other potential opportunities connected to the cabins.
The initiative is part of RIOC’s broader Tram 50 celebration, culminating in a public anniversary event on May 28 honoring five decades of Tram service to Roosevelt Island and New York City.
For more information or to submit an idea, visit: RIOC Tram 50 Page
The original Roosevelt Island Tram cabins have been neglected and in storage beneath the Motorgate Helix since March 2010.
The original Tram Cabins were removed from their cables
and transported to the Motorgate Plaza on March 9 2010.
In April 2010, former RIOC President Steve Shane:
… mentioned two possible uses for the Roosevelt Island Tram Cabins. One idea is to use at least one of the cabins as a cafe to be situated in Southpoint Park. Another possibility is to put the tram cabin on a flat bed truck and use it to transport riders from the new Tram to Southpoint Park…
In 2010, NY 1 reporter Roger Clark suggested a snack bar or coffee stand.
I like the idea of using the Tram Cabins as an outdoor Cafe next to Blackwell House. Others have suggested donating one cabin to the Transit Museum.
Tell us what you think should be done with the original Roosevelt Island Tram cabins.
UPDATE 5/17 – Lots of great ideas for the original Tram Cabins at the Roosevelt Islander Instagram page.
Roosevelt island lifer, Enock family from the first batch of residents to move to the island in the 1970s. I have multiple rendered mock ups for a cafe/restaurant, as well as a long list of potential names. Email me for the mock up photos and name ideas.
Donate one to the transit museum but I have an idea for atleast two if not all of the trams that can grow into something long term and profit building for the island.
This Tram will be great Pop up Cocktail/mocktail Bar, serve cocktail/Mocktail. themed to Roosevelt Island, both end of the island.
That’s a great idea . Maybe do different events like an ice cream day for the kids of the island . senior day for sandwich’s and gathering . Small kids party’s inside and out . Rent a space for whatever .
Donate one to the transit museum and use the other to lure people towards local business that doesn’t get the attention it could.
I think donating one of the Trams to the Transit Museum is a very good idea.
Cocktail/mocktail bar and a juice bar will be great. We have loads of tourists coming to the island for leisure/ sports and work.
Turn them into Cafes (run by local RI businesses ??) down near Southpoint Park and the FDR Four Freedoms entrance.
i would like to see one of cabins being used as a part of the Blackwell Playound. Our Playgrounds on the Island don’t have any personality.
One cabin definitely belongs in the NYC Transit Museum at 99 Schermerhorn St in Brooklyn. I visited that museum last week for the first time and I was impressed. It would be a great way to educate people from NY and around the world about Roosevelt Island.
They’re such an incredible part of this island’s history; it should become an extension of the gift shop. How unique then, as a small booth with projections on the screen to inform visitors of ALL the unique aspects of the island, especially the north end.
natural greenhouses!!! that are secured and safe, a great way for more growth on the island!
An easy, simple use for the tram car, for those of us coming and going, locals and tourists alike, would be similar to the coffee/rolls/pastries carts found all around Manhattan.