The New York Public Library Unveils Award-Winning Designs For New 53rd Street Library, Scheduled To Open In Late 2015

Architect Enrique Norten’s firm TEN Arquitectos Connects Neighborhood To Library In Open, Accessible Design


Designs for the new 53 Street branch of The New York Public Library; copyright TEN Arquitectos

Designs for the new 53 Street branch of The New York Public Library; copyright TEN Arquitectos

MAY 7, 2013– Plans released today depicting The New York Public Library’s all-new 53rd Street branch in midtown Manhattan portray an open, light-filled design that offers a rich variety of public reading and meeting spaces, a family and children’s area, state-of-the-art computer labs, an audio-video collection, and accessible book collections that encourage communal interaction throughout.

The 28,000 square-foot branch, one of the largest in the NYPL system, is anchored by an internal topography that connects the library’s three floors, bringing light and views to the deepest corners of the plan’s lower floors and providing opportunities for interaction and public programs upon the interior library steps.  A glass curtain wall, at street level, brings sunlight and the feel of the neighborhood into the library and allows those walking by to see the rich diversity of activity happening within.

The three-story library at 20 West 53rd Street (UPDATE AS OF 2016: The address is now 18 West 53rd Street) – designed by world-renowned architect Enrique Norten and his firm TEN Arquitectos – will be a true civic space, accommodating a variety of patrons and needs, from individuals looking for quiet study spaces to others seeking small group discussions as well as those wanting to experience one of the larger public programs. The library will include two assembly spaces – an auditorium and bleacher seating – to support community workshops, educational programs and library events.

Designs for the new 53 Street branch of The New York Public Library; copyright TEN Arquitectos

Designs for the new 53 Street branch of The New York Public Library; copyright TEN Arquitectos

The designs have already been honored with a 2013 Project Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter.

The Library could not be more pleased with the spectacular designs that Enrique Norten and his team have created for the new 53rd Street Library,” said NYPL President Tony Marx. “The new branch is not only beautiful, but designed with flexibility that allows the Library to maximize its public space, and serve all members of the community for decades to come.  We realize that the neighborhood has waited a long time, and we are thrilled to provide them with this new, state-of-the-art branch.”

The new $20 million library is being built at the base of a building currently being constructed by Tribeca Associates and Starwood Capital. It is the former site of the Donnell Library Center, which was sold in 2008 to Orient Express Hotels. The company was going to build a new hotel on the site and include a state-of-the-art, new library. Unfortunately, the economy stalled that project, and the property was told to Tribeca Associates and Starwood Capital in 2011.

Designs for the new 53 Street branch of The New York Public Library; copyright TEN Arquitectos

Designs for the new 53 Street branch of The New York Public Library; copyright TEN Arquitectos

The new Library is now expected to receive raw space from Tribeca Associates and Starwood Capital in 2014, and the branch is expected to open in late 2015. While it will be fewer square feet than the original Donnell Library, the new branch will not house administrative space or several collections (World Languages Collection, Media Collection, Teen Center, and Centralized Children's Room) that have been moved to more appropriate and convenient locations for the public. The public space available at 53 Street for the services being offered is virtually identical to the space available at the Donnell. The temporary Grand Central Library will remain in operation until the new 53rd Street branch opens.

For more information or to receive high-resolution images, contact:

Angela Montefinise | angelamontefinise@nypl.org

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 91 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.