New Pocket Park Opened in White Plains
Louis Cappelli, President of the Cappelli Organization, joined with White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach, members of the Common Council and the Rev. Richard A. Kunz, rector of Grace Church, to celebrate the dedication of a new park built by Cappelli in the heart downtown White Plains on Thursday.
The 11,000-square foot park is located at the intersection of Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street between Grace Church and Cappelli’s Renaissance Square development which includes The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. It is the first privately owned park with public access in Westchester County.
“This is the last piece of the puzzle in our redevelopment of downtown White Plains which began with City Center and concluded with Renaissance Square,” Cappelli said in a brief ceremony at the new park. “The final piece was to beautify the area and to create a dynamic park in the heart of the city that is accessible to the public. This fulfills our vision and the city’s vision of an ideal urban setting, and is an important focal point connecting the historic Grace Church with the contemporary Ritz-Carlton brand,” he added.
Cappelli said his company, City of White Plains officials and Grace Church worked together on the park’s design for over a year, resulting in an attractive modern park that complements the popular plaza and fountain across Main Street which Cappelli built as part of the City Center complex. The beautifully landscaped park features lawns, plantings and specimen trees highlighted by elegant stone pavers and benches and a waterfall that is illuminated at night.
“I am pleased that this park is complete and can now be enjoyed by the public,” Mayor Roach said. “Its design and features complement Renaissance Plaza across the street, which has become a focal point in our vibrant downtown.”
The Rev. Richard A. Kunz, rector of Grace Church, gave a blessing of the new park. “We are pleased to have this park open as Grace Church celebrates the 150th anniversary of our present building,” Rev. Kunz said. “We think the plaza adds to the sense of openness and welcome here in the heart of White Plains.”
Cappelli concluded, “The puzzle is now complete. This new park is a testament to the public and private sectors working together and creating an incredibly beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.”
The new pocket park has not officially been named. Attendees at the ribbon cutting who spoke with Cappelli said he was considering naming it after his late father Luca Cappelli.
