The Hunters Point Library Design Will Change Dramatically

Earlier this month we reported on the many holdups for Hunters Point Library, planned for the empty lot near Gantry State Park at 48th Avenue. The Times Ledger sheds more details on the library plans, which could be delayed for several years. (Initially, the city scheduled groundbreaking for last fall with plans to open it in 2015.) According to the Ledger, “the entire project is in limbo.” Thomas Galante, the president and CEO of Queens Library who’s gotten lots of heat lately, reported that construction bids for the proposed design ranged from $33 to $42 million. The city only allocated a budget of $28.6 million.

That means major design changes are in store — Galante called the original design by Steve Hall too elaborate. According to the Ledger: “Gone is the Geothermal Well system in favor of a more traditional heating and cooling system. The aluminum exterior facade will now be cement and glass and custom interior fixtures are replaced with standard fixtures. In all, the changes save $4.7 million.” The redesigned project will open again to contractor bids, although it’s unclear when that will actually happen. In the meantime, say goodbye to that library rendering pictured above!

Hunters Point Library on Hold as New Plans Drawn up [Times Ledger]
Checking up on Hunters Point Library Construction Progress [Q’Stoner]