Work has begun on the $36 million transformation of Crown Heights’ historic Eastern Parkway Library. Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday announced the start of the project, which will expand public space at the century-old Brooklyn Public Library branch at 1044 Eastern Parkway by more than 50 percent while preserving its historic architecture. Led by the city’s Department of Design and Construction, the project is expected to be completed in summer 2028.
Established in 1914, the original two-story library was designed by Raymond F. Almirall and built as part of a $5.2 million gift from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to establish a comprehensive library system across New York City.
The Classical Revival-style building features a limestone facade and long, arched windows. Inside, double-height reading rooms offer ample natural light, with mezzanines overlooking the lower level.
Designed by Allied Works, the renovation will expand the library’s public space by 12,250 square feet and add a 13,400-square-foot, three-story wing along Schenectady Avenue, according to Yimby.
Renderings detail a material palette of untreated Belgian oak, coal terrazzo, perforated metal ceilings, and precast concrete that pays homage to the original architecture, according to e-architect.
A new, expansive glass facade will bring even more natural light into the library and make the building fully ADA-compliant, with a new elevator and entrance ramp.
The facility will also feature dedicated reading and learning spaces, including a multipurpose room with a projector, a main reading room, a teen zone, two children’s zones, a STEAM room, a community room, and a classroom in the building’s restored fireplace room.
The renovation will also add modern, energy-efficient lighting and upgrade the library’s plumbing, HVAC, and fire alarm systems. After the renovation, the library is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification.
Artwork by local artist Oasa DuVerney will also be displayed throughout the library through the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent for Art Program.
During construction, library services will continue at a temporary location provided by the Settlement Housing Fund, with furniture donated by IKEA and additional support for interim services provided by Amazon. When the temporary branch opens this fall, patrons will be able to check out books, attend programs, and use technology.
“The Eastern Parkway Library has served Brooklyn for over a century. The renovation—which will bring more natural light into the branch, add modern technology and create inspiring spaces—will ensure that Eastern Parkway Library can serve the community for another 100 years,” Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of BPL, said.
The project is funded by the Office of the Mayor, the City Council, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and the state Assembly.
The Eastern Parkway Library’s transformation is the first of three projects that Allied Works is undertaking with the DDC. The others are EMS Station 17 in the Bronx and the Jackson Heights Library. The firm received a 2020 Excellence in Design Award from the city’s Public Design Commission, according to e-architect.
“Libraries are the beating heart of civic spaces in New York, providing essential spaces and services to every community,” Brad Cloepfil, principal and founder of Allied Works, said, as reported by e-architect.
“Our redesign of the Eastern Parkway Library honors the 112-year-old building and the people it serves, paying homage to the original Carnegie library building, while expanding its public spaces.”
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