Thomas W. Galante, President and CEO, Queens Library; Alan Nahmias, President, Stalco Construction; Borough President Helen Marshall; Commissioner David Burney, NYC Department of Design and Construction; City Council Member Daniel Dromm; City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer
Borough President Helen Marshall; City Council Member Daniel Dromm; Commissioner David Burney, New York City Dept. of Deisgn and Construction; City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Queens Library President and CEO Thomas W. Galante; Alan Nahmias, President of Stalco Construction and community leaders hoisted the ceremonial final steel beam onto the new Queens Library at Elmhurst today. It is a milestone: its steel structure is complete and it’s well on its way to serving the people of Elmhurst.
Borough President Helen Marshall said, “I remember touring the old, crowded library during my first term as Borough President. Today, I look forward to the completion of this new facility, which will become an incredible community resource for residents of all ages. As Borough President, I had the privilege of providing more than $27 million towards this new library. It’s a good investment in the future of this community and will reap dividends for years to come.”
The new Elmhurst Library will provide significantly more program area than the original 1906 building, with double the physical space, triple the space for educational and arts programming, and a design that allows for future expansion. The new building will also incorporate the City’s active-design principles by encouraging movement throughout the space, especially via stairways. We are proud to join our partners at Queens Library in celebrating the topping-out of this exciting new investment in the future of one of the most diverse communities in our city,” said David Burney, FAIA, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction.
“Elmhurst is a thriving neighborhood that needs a state-of-the-art library to support education, job growth and intellectual development,” said Thomas W. Galante, Queens Library’s President and CEO.
The new, $27.8-million, 30,000-sq.-ft. Elmhurst Library. The construction of the steel frame required 300 tons of steel delivered by 17 trailer trucks.This magnificent building is one of the most important and best-designed public projects currently underway in New York City.
When it opens for public service in 2014, the new library will be double the size of the former one, featuring four levels for customer service with elevator access to all levels. Features include separate library areas for adults, children and teens; a large 32-computer Cyber Center for customer use; a new Adult Learner Center; an interior reading atrium and front and rear community gardens. “Memory features” will preserve the library’s legacy in the community. Original bricks will be used in the new façade. The nostalgic Children’s Room fireplace will be relocated to the new building. There will be a 1906 Memory Wall plus many other acknowledgements of the library’s long history in the community. The new library will cost $27.8 million
While the new building is under construction, library service is being provided from a temporary building parked behind the church on 85-08 51st Avenue at Broadway. The Adult Learning Center is holding classes in the St. James Gymnasium at 84-07 Broadway.
