Allied Works Begins $36M Expansion of Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway Library
A $36 million renovation and expansion of the Eastern Parkway Library, a Carnegie-era branch of the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), has officially commenced, with design work led by Allied Works. The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) oversees the initiative, which began in August and is slated for completion by summer 2028. Originally constructed in 1914 by architect Raymond Almirall, the library will see a 50% increase in size with the addition of a 13,400-square-foot wing. Planned features include a double-height reading area, spaces for various age groups, and the restoration of original windows, all aiming for LEED Silver certification. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has lauded the project for improving accessibility and energy efficiency. BPL is also engaged in other architectural endeavors.
Key facts
- Construction began in August on the $36 million expansion of Eastern Parkway Library.
- Allied Works is the design architect; DDC manages the project for Brooklyn Public Library.
- Original library completed in 1914, designed by Raymond Almirall, a gift from Andrew Carnegie.
- Expansion increases footprint by 50%, adding a 13,400-square-foot, 3-story wing on Schenectady Avenue.
- New wing includes double-height reading room, reading mezzanine, and spaces for children, teens, adults.
- Materials: untreated Belgian oak, coal terrazzo, perforated metal ceilings, precast concrete.
- Restoration of original arched windows; new ADA ramp, elevator, restrooms for full compliance.
- Green roof, high-performance glazing, upgraded HVAC; aiming for LEED Silver.
- Completion expected summer 2028; 8-12 weeks for stocking and preparation.
- Oasa DuVerney portraits of African diaspora writers to be displayed on reading mezzanine.
- Allied Works also designing EMS Station 17 and Jackson Heights Library.
- BPL other projects: Canarsie (Studio Joseph), Central Library (Toshiko Mori), Brooklyn Heights (Gensler).
Entities
Artists
- Brad Cloepfil
- Oasa DuVerney
- Raymond Almirall
- Andrew Carnegie
- Zohran Mamdani
Institutions
- Allied Works
- Brooklyn Public Library
- New York City Department of Design and Construction
- Studio Joseph
- Toshiko Mori Architect
- Gensler
Locations
- Brooklyn
- New York City
- Eastern Parkway
- Schenectady Avenue
- Crown Heights
- Portland
- Oregon
- Canarsie
- Jackson Heights
- Central Library
- Brooklyn Heights