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Located in an underserved neighborhood on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Washington Heights Library is one of 16 libraries designed by Carrere & Hastings. It opened to the public in 1914 and quickly became a local cultural  anchor, heavily-used by the community for decades. As New York Public Library sought to align the library’s physical space with current trends and requirements, a comprehensive renovation began.

Located in an underserved neighborhood on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Washington Heights Library is one of 16 libraries designed by Carrere & Hastings. It opened to the public in 1914 and quickly became a local cultural  anchor, heavily-used by the community for decades. As New York Public Library sought to align the library’s physical space with current trends and requirements, a comprehensive renovation began.

The historic library was upgraded through a facility-wide phased renovation. The first phase, through a contract with NYC Department of Design & Construction, improves accessibility with a new entry configuration and a limited-use elevator to provide access between the foyer and the main reading room floor.

The historic library was upgraded through a facility-wide phased renovation. The first phase, through a contract with NYC Department of Design & Construction, improves accessibility with a new entry configuration and a limited-use elevator to provide access between the foyer and the main reading room floor.

Then & Now

Phase two, contracted through the New York Public Library, brings the library into the 21st century, supportive of a collection and readership that spans print books and electronic media. The first floor was redesigned as a commons where patrons can access digital materials, through work stations or wirelessly. Desks, casual seating, and group meeting spaces accommodate a variety of uses with new furniture, layouts, and a technology-rich media area.

Phase two, contracted through the New York Public Library, brings the library into the 21st century, supportive of a collection and readership that spans print books and electronic media. The first floor was redesigned as a commons where patrons can access digital materials, through work stations or wirelessly. Desks, casual seating, and group meeting spaces accommodate a variety of uses with new furniture, layouts, and a technology-rich media area.

Continuing the accessibility improvements from the first phase, accessible facilities were designed throughout the building, including a glass-enclosed elevator. A major element of the renovation, the cleanly detailed, structurally-glazed elevator is clearly differentiated from its historic surroundings. The minimized intervention occupies a central space, visible throughout the library as it connects all levels through the stairwell of the refinished main stair.

Continuing the accessibility improvements from the first phase, accessible facilities were designed throughout the building, including a glass-enclosed elevator. A major element of the renovation, the cleanly detailed, structurally-glazed elevator is clearly differentiated from its historic surroundings. The minimized intervention occupies a central space, visible throughout the library as it connects all levels through the stairwell of the refinished main stair.

The new design preserves and highlights the historic integrity of the library while meeting functional and technical requirements with a contemporary architectural expression. The renovation reflects the New York Public Library’s commitment “to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.”

The new design preserves and highlights the historic integrity of the library while meeting functional and technical requirements with a contemporary architectural expression. The renovation reflects the New York Public Library’s commitment “to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.”

Location
New York, NY
Area
23,000 sf
Completion
2014
Clients
The New York Public Library
New York City Department of Design and Construction
View Project Facts
Location
New York, NY
Area
23,000 sf
Completion
2014
Clients
The New York Public Library
New York City Department of Design and Construction
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