(New York, NY – February 26, 2020) The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today that a $2.3 million project to replace the roof and upgrade the fire alarm and heating, ventilating and air conditioning system at the 67th Street Library has been completed. The project was managed by DDC for The New York Public Library, and was funded by the City and Council Member Ben Kallos.

“The 67th Street Library has served the Upper East Side community for 115 years, providing programming and opportunities for educational advancement,” said DDC Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “The building is now better protected from the elements, while users will have a more comfortable experience with advanced environmental controls.”

“This library has been a center of our community for more than a century, and is especially important to me because it's where I got my first library card, borrowed books, and did research when I was in elementary school. I am excited to celebrate the completion of its repairs and to share that it is now in the best condition possible to serve the community,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Education has been a top priority since I took office in 2014, and I strongly believe that an investment in the New York Public Library system is an investment in future generations. Thank you to Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio for recognizing the importance of our libraries and funding this project for our district and the city as a whole.”

“The improvements at 67th Street Library will ensure the branch continues to serve New Yorkers now and in the future by offering a welcoming space in the community that provides patrons from all walks of life with the resources and services they need,” said NYPL 67th Street Library Manager Maggie Barbour.

Under the project, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units that service the first and second floors of the library were replaced with environmentally efficient units that utilize less gas. The fire alarm system was modified with devices in the duct work that will shut down the HVAC system and set off the fire alarm when smoke is detected. The gas lines that were connected to the old HVAC units were replaced to accommodate the upgraded units.

On the third and fourth floors, the roof was upgraded to a Kemper roofing system where a fluid-applied membrane reflects the sunlight and conceals the interior air barrier and vapor retarding, allowing the building to meet the requirements of the NYC Energy Conservation Code. A new roof drain was installed and the gutters and leaders that guide the water to the drain were replaced.

Due to water infiltration, several parts of the metal, stone and chimney copings were rebuilt to prevent water from penetrating the walls. The parapet wall attached to the roof was reconstructed to better guide the water off the sidewalls of the library and act as a fire barrier. The metal wall cladding located on the third floor was replaced with a new metal wall panel that has waterproofing components, making it easier to clean and maintain.

The project began in March 2019 and the branch reopened to the public in November 2019.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction

The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $14 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.