The Peter Jay Sharp Volunteer House, inside Riverside Park at 107th Street, adapts an existing 100-year-old limestone building in a landmarked park to fresh use. The previous structure was a one-story red structure, used only for tool storage. There was no heat or water in winter, and bathroom facilities were minimal. The awkward layout of the building could accommodate only a few people at a time.
With funding from the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation, the LuEsther T. Mertz Advised Fund at New York Community Trust, Booth Ferris Foundation and other private donors, the footprint of the existing one-story building was enlarged slightly, and a mezzanine and a second story were added. Today the building has year-round heat and water, a plant propagation area, storage space for garden tools and supplies, a restroom, and a kitchenette.
The second floor houses the Evelyn Sharp Meeting Room, the ambiance of which has been likened to that of a treehouse. This room functions as a meeting room for staff and for volunteer workshops, lectures, and special events. The Peter Jay Sharp Volunteer House serves as an anchor for staff and a hub for the Conservancy’s extensive Grassroots Volunteer Program.
The building is the only public facility in New York City dedicated solely to encouraging and sustaining volunteer park work.
Rentals
The current fee for renting the Volunteer House is $500.00 for two hours, dependent on availability and approval of use.
The space accommodates 30 people for a cocktail party, seating for 20 people for a presentation, and limited seating for a dinner party. We can provide up to 20 folding chairs and two 6’ tables.
