Last year resident High Tea DJ, Lina explained a ton of changes that would be coming for the Pavilion in 2007, but that explanation did not counter my surprise upon seeing the new space.
An obvious modification is the changed stair positioning which should improve traffic flow (not to mention allow for more imperious exits). Also obvious is the closing of the structure with windows along the bay side. The upstairs space is supposedly twice the size of previous, but the closing of the space seems counterintuitive. Being out in Fire Island is about feeling the warm salty air circling around you, which has always been a strength of Low and High Teas and a failing of Sip-n-Twirl and most venues in the Grove.
Unfortunately, I was unable to sneak in to view the entire place, but pleasant surprises are always welcome. Peering through the downstairs windows definitely revealed another surprise. Down below seems to be a new Pantry with all new fixtures inside.
The one certain thing is that these changes and construction do signify that Fire Island is flourishing. If the construction is completed by this weekend, I'll take a peek next week.
