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May 16, 2017

DDC Cuts Ribbon at Renovated Woodstock Library in the Bronx

Contact:
Dan Leibel
718-391-1251

Bronx, NY - The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) joined New York Public Library President Tony Mark and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca this week to celebrate the completion of the newly renovated Woodstock Library on East 160th Street in the Bronx. A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the reopening of the 103-year-old Carnegie Library, which underwent an $8.1 million, 18,000-square-foot gut renovation that emphasized accessibility and sustainability in the structure.

Originally designed by McKim Mead and White, the architects responsible for many historically significant New York City buildings such as Pennsylvania Station and the Brooklyn Museum, the Woodstock Library is a three-story, landmarked building that serves the South Bronx as a public learning resource. The last major renovation of the building occurred in 1967.

The project included the replacement of the main stairway, which obstructed visibility inside the building; a new handicapped accessible elevator; and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems upgrades. New lighting and modern interior finishes invite the public to use new resources in the library’s reading and multimedia areas.

The newly renovated Woodstock Library in the Bronx offers a variety of resources for patrons (NYCDDC)
The newly renovated Woodstock Library in the Bronx offers a variety of resources for patrons (NYCDDC)

“The Woodstock Library is a valuable resource for the community, as it promotes equity within the neighborhood and provides access to educational tools for children and adults,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora. “Improving this beautiful library as we blend historical charm with contemporary function, bringing it up to modern day standards for accessibility, is something DDC is very proud of. We thank the NYPL for their partnership.”

“Woodstock Library has been a cornerstone of the Bronx community for over a century, providing all with critical services and programs and a space to learn, connect, and grow," said New York Public Library (NYPL) President Tony Marx. “We are so proud to reopen this important, historic branch, and provide local residents with a renovated building offering more space, more programs, and the modern amenities that they need and want."

The DDC project team at the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 15 (NYCDDC)
The DDC project team at the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 15 (NYCDDC)

The gut renovation also included improvements to plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and fire suppression systems within the library to upgrade them and make them more energy efficient. New structural steel was added in areas, and the roof was repaired. New doors, vestibules, and glass were added, existing plaster walls and ceilings were restored, and exterior masonry was repaired. The project also included new interior and exterior signage for the building.

DDC’s consultants for the project were Rice + Lipka Architects, Buro-Happold Engineers, and Robert Silman Associates.



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 lenses 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, new or upgraded roadways, sewers, water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15 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.