The New York Public Library has decided to scrap its drastic renovation plans, which involved remodeling the Stephen A. Schwarzman building, one of its research libraries, and selling the home of its mid-Manhattan Library.
The new plan calls for a less drastic renovation of the Schwarzman building, and keeping the mid-Manhattan branch open.
The original plan would have involved moving the stacks from the Schwarzman building to a storage facility in New Jersey, leaving plenty of space for Norman Foster to create a four-level atrium housing a circulating library, a cafe, and computers.
According to Hyperallergic, critics of this idea voiced concerns about its impact on the library as a research institution. Protests were held, and three lawsuits were filed in order to stop the renovation. In the end, the Library decided to change its plans for multiple reasons, according to the New York Times.
"Various factors contributed to the library’s decision, several trustees said: a study that showed the cost of renovating the main building to be more than expected (the project had originally been estimated at about $300 million); the change in city government; and input from the public," the New York Times reports.
Half the public space will be opened up in the Schwarzman building, according to the revised solution, including new spaces for youth and research/writing areas. In addition, the mid-Manhattan branch will undergo extensive remodeling in stages, so that it can be left open during construction.
One thing that remains in the Library's plans is the closing of the science library.
Related Stories
| Mar 7, 2012
LEO A DALY selected to design Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial
The bronze, figurative sculpture of a firefighter rescuing a child, which is currently on display at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, is lit by natural light through a circular void in the monolith.
| Feb 15, 2012
Englewood Construction announces new projects with Destination Maternity, American Girl
Englewood’s newest project for Wisconsin-based doll retailer American Girl, the company will combine four vacant storefronts into one large 15,000 square-foot retail space for American Girl.
| Feb 2, 2012
Call for Entries: 2012 Building Team Awards. Deadline March 2, 2012
Winning projects will be featured in the May issue of BD+C.
| Jan 31, 2012
Fusion Facilities: 8 reasons to consolidate multiple functions under one roof
‘Fusing’ multiple functions into a single building can make it greater than the sum of its parts. The first in a series on the design and construction of university facilities.
| Jan 24, 2012
U of M installs new lighting at Crisler Player Development Center
Energy efficient lighting installed at PDC reduce costs and improves player performance.
| Jan 6, 2012
New Walgreen's represents an architectural departure
The structure's exterior is a major departure from the corporate image of a traditional Walgreens design.
| Dec 7, 2011
ICS Builders and BKSK Architects complete St. Hilda’s House in Manhattan
The facility's design highlights the inherent link between environmental consciousness and religious reverence.
| Dec 5, 2011
SchenkelShultz Architecture designs Dr. Phillips Charities Headquarters building in Orlando
The building incorporates sustainable architectural features, environmentally friendly building products, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally-sensitive construction practices.
| Nov 29, 2011
SB Architects completes Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa in China
Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa is home to the largest natural springs reserve in the region, and measures 950,000 sf.