One of New York's most iconic Fifth Avenue buildings, the NYPL branch located at Bryant Park, is getting a major facelift. The details sound totally awesome! Here's what we know right now:
1. The project is estimated to cost a whopping $317 million, and the renovations are privately funded.
2. Work will begin in 2018 and hopefully conclude in 2021.
3. The library will gain 20% more space for educational programming, research and exhibitions by transforming existing underutilized areas.
4. You'll soon be able to enter the library from 40th St. It'll be getting a new entrance and elevator bank.
5. The library will get a new learning and research center for high school and college students.
6. Gottesman Hall will be home to rotating exhibits and other NYPL artifacts.
"'The Master Plan builds on the framework of this historic building and icon of New York City architecture,' said Beyer Blinder Belle’s Elizabeth Leber. 'We are seeking to instill clarity and ease of circulation, and to support new uses and programs, while only enhancing its significant architectural features,'" the New York Public Library reports.
The current plan does not include any updates to the central stacks, which were built in 1911, but the Board has commissioned the firm in charge of the other renovations to explore future opportunities for updates in that space.
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