PreWar Building

This is a picture of a World War II Memorial at the beginning of Jamaica Estates. It is a gatehouse built from river stones that marks the entrance to the Midland Malls. The memorial was restored last year by rebuilding the roof and cleaning of the stones and the plaque. The plaque was dedicated, by the Jamaica Estates Association, to ten men from Jamaica Estates who lost their lives in World War Two. The restoration of the revered edifice was funded by a Restoration Project to beautify the Midland Malls. The Restoration began on June 7 of last year and included the seven midland malls from Hillside Avenue to Surrey Place. The main goal of the restoration according to Commissioner Adrian Benepe is to “provide refuge from urban life and increase property value.” Where the structure is located looks very out of place because it is right where Hillside meets Midland Parkway. Hillside is one of the least appealing areas part of Jamaica Estates and it is usually not considered part of the neighborhood because it is one of the outermost borders. This area is where the subway is and it is most likely one of the least expensive places to live in the neighborhood. The memorial is surrounded by grassy areas with shrubs and bushes. This is to reflect the appearance of the neighborhood that it signifies you are entering. Jamaica Estates is known for being a neighborhood that preserves as much greenery as possible.