Restoration of Philip Johnson's New York State Pavilions in Queens is underway

The iconic New York State Pavilion observation towers in Flushing, Queens are being restored. The New York City Parks Department broke ground on the project this week.

Designed by Philip Johnson and Lev Zetlin, the two flying saucer-topped observation towers as well as an adjacent pavilion will receive a $24 million upgrade that includes waterproofing for each structure's base, as well as exist stair replacements, electrical upgrades, and other conservation work, AM New York reports. 

The structures were originally designed as temporary structures within  a much larger installation for the 1964 World's Fair in the burough's Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Despite the costly restoration, the structures will not be made publicly accessible, according to Curbed.

The project is expected to be completed by March 2021.