The Pavilion 2004- 2010

2004. Changing of the guard.

In 2004 longtime owner John Whyte sells the Pines properties to Eric Von Kuersteiner. Von Kuersteiner begins sweeping changes with a plan to revive the Pines and bring a new generation. With that comes a new Pavilion Nightclub changing the cornerstone of the Pines…

The plan involved many changes to existing structures like the Botel and the Pavilion.

New events and traditions were began such as Lina’s Lounge on the upstairs High Tea deck.

2006. Out with the old, and in with the new…

This was an immediate hit with the community, and began the Lina journey in Fire Island Pines. In the fall of 2006 demolition began on the old pavilion.

In the fall of 2006

demolition began on the old pavilion. Built in 1980 holding memories for many. Just like it’s predecessor the community wasn’t akin to the changes.

In the process of demolishing the old Pavilion it is discovered that it was literally built over the old Sandpiper that was there before. Many in the community gathered to take home a piece of histor

Ron McKenna

The past came back as the Pavilion sheathing was peeled away…

2007. A new era. Rebuilding begins.

The design had a modern feeling completely different than the previous Pavilion. The community once again voiced their opinion. Longing for the balconies that overlooked the dance floor and the feeling of being one united space. The dance club had no connection to the upstairs. All the parts were very separate spaces that stood on their own. Included was Glow Lounge a lounge outfitted with leather couches, and a High Tea area for dancing with garage doors that all opened to the outside. This gave you a open view of the harbor. With all of that the flow somehow did not work. B&W photos by Robert Zash

One of the unique features were the lights outside that changed colors. The nightlife inside on the top deck was visible from a distance.

2008. High Tea returns…

A Pines tradition of seeing and being seen.

Party at the Pavilion ~ Middle Tea

Downstairs was what would become Middle Tea.

2009. DJ Vito Fun becomes a Pines fixture as a new Tea is born…

The marketing of the Pines was working and a new generation were finding the Pines and all it had to offer.

Other changes include the renovation of the Cultured Elephant into the new Baybar, and Botel into Hotel Ciel.

Eric von Kuersteiner

was doing something right. After the 2006 season it just kept getting bigger and better. Nightlife was being rediscovered, and the boys kept coming…

The marketing machine was working!

The Pavilion was making its comeback.

2010. Until an offer Kuersteiner could not refuse appeared …

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Fire Island Music history- Mel Cheren