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
| 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.
| Nov 22, 2011
Jones Lang LaSalle completes construction of two new stores in Manhattan
Firm creates new global design standard serving as project manager for Uniglo’s 89,000-sf flagship location and, 64,000-sf store.
| Oct 24, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers receives 2011 Sustainable Design Award from AIA Long Island Chapter
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
| Oct 14, 2011
University of New Mexico Science & Math Learning Center attains LEED for Schools Gold
Van H. Gilbert architects enhances sustainability credentials.
| Oct 12, 2011
Consigli Construction breaks ground for Bigelow Laboratory Center for Ocean Health
Consigli to build third phase of 64-acre Ocean Science and Education Campus, design by WBRC Architects , engineers in association with Perkins + Will
| Sep 30, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers completes welcoming center at St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery
The new structure serves as the cemetery's focal architectural point and center of operations.
| Sep 14, 2011
Lend Lease’s role in 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Lend Lease is honored to be the general contractor for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum project at the World Trade Center site in New York City.
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > You’ve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.
| May 25, 2011
Olympic site spurs green building movement in UK
London's environmentally friendly 2012 Olympic venues are fuelling a green building movement in Britain.
