It was designed in a "resort style with Spanish Revival influence" with colorful exterior terra cotta ornamentation that references its seaside location, with depictions of Poseidon, sailing ships, and sea creatures.

The building was used as a candy factory for over 50 years but was vacant and in a state of bad repair until it was converted into the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island in 2013–2015.

[1][2] It was built in 1923 to provide reasonably-priced meals to the millions of city dwellers who came to Coney Island to enjoy its beaches and amusements, and to stroll along its Boardwalk, which was constructed the same year.

From its earliest days, Childs' interiors were characterized by high-quality materials such as white tile walls and floors, marble communal tables, and modern electric lighting and fans.

To design its Boardwalk location, the company chose the firm of Hirons and Dennison, which was well-regarded for its prior works, mostly bank buildings, in the Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts styles.

Markowitz had long sought a permanent venue for the series of summer concerts that he had sponsored for 35 years since his time in the New York State Senate.

[9][10] In December 2013, days before Markowitz's term as borough president ended, the New York City Council approved plans to redevelop the building as part of an entertainment venue called the "Seaside Park and Community Arts Center".

[1] In the 2002 romantic comedy Two Weeks Notice, Sandra Bullock plays a lawyer who wants to preserve the Coney Island community center of her childhood.