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Bronx Library Center

A Green Civic in The Bronx, NY.
  • 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd
  • The Bronx
  • NY
  • 10458
  • Kirsten Sibilia, Chief Marketing Officer
  • 212-247-2660

  • The Bronx Library Center replaces the former Fordham Branch Library. The facility provides expanded circulation and reference collections, cutting-edge information technology, a full range of education, business and technology training for all ages, literacy classes, and English language proficiency programs. The BLC also houses the Latino and Puerto Rican Cultural Center, with extensive bilingual collections, educational and cultural programs, and multi-media exhibits. Key design concepts include maximizing natural light, minimizing internal circulation, providing clear lines of sight, establishing an appropriate planning module for efficient stack layout, and providing an adaptable open plan.

    Each floor is conceived as a rational, rectangular public space surrounded by service, circulation and smaller program spaces fitting into the irregularities of the site. Planning follows a basic daylight strategy: services at the relatively enclosed western side, books and other collection items in the middle and most of the seating in the glazed day-lit areas at the perimeter.
    Individually designed public stairs provide different types of processional experience between floors. They make circulation through the building an important part of the visitors experience, and highlight the connections between the various parts of the library collection distributed throughout the building.

    The design includes many sustainable features such as high-performance curtainwall, extensive daylighting, energy efficient mechanical and lighting systems and controls, and environmentally friendly materials with high recycled content.

    The project received LEED® Silver Certification from the United States Green Building Council. It is the first publicly funded building in New York City and the first library in The New York Public Library system to receive LEED certification.
  • Please visit: http://www.nypl.org/locations/bronx-library-center for hours.
  • D, B: to Fordham Rd.; follow signs indicating exit to Grand Concourse and 188th St. On Grand Concourse walk north one block to Fordham Rd.; then turn east and walk two blocks (keeping left) to East Kingsbridge Rd. Walk north on East Kingsbridge Rd. half a block.

    1: to 207th St.; change to BX12 bus eastbound to Valentine Avenue/Fordham Rd. (just past the Grand Concourse); walk one block east (keeping left) on Fordham Rd. to East Kingsbridge Rd. Walk north on East Kingsbridge Rd. half a block.

    2: to White Plains Rd. and Pelham Parkway; then take BX12 bus west to Fordham Rd./Grand Concourse. Turn east and walk two blocks (keeping left) on Fordham Rd. to East Kingsbridge Rd. Walk north on East Kingsbridge Rd. half a block.

    4: to Fordham Rd.; walk five blocks east (keeping left) on Fordham Rd. to East Kingsbridge Rd. Walk north on East Kingsbridge Rd. half a block.
  • Construction year
  • 2006
  • Size in sq. ft.
  • 78000
  • No. floors
  • 4
  • Certification
  • USGBC LEED (Include rating system and level under ""Other"" below), Silver
  • Energy Efficiency Features
  • -high-performance curtainwall
    -extensive daylighting
    -Custom lightshelves and translucent shades support the building’s effective use of natural light
    -energy efficient mechanical and lighting systems and controls
  • Green Products
  • - Recycled content in the foundation, structural steel, carpeting, and terrazzo and linoleum flooring
    -90% of construction waste recycled
    ->50% of materials locally sourced (within 500 miles)
    -Paints, adhesives, and sealants feature low chemical emissions
    -FSC composite wood products, with no added urea-formaldehyde
    -ENERGY STAR® roofing reflects solar heat
  • Transportation
  • Very close to multiple train and bus stops.
  • Type of building (home, school, commercial, etc.)
  • Civic
  • Designer
  • Dattner Architects
  • Builder
  • Larry Best, F.J. Sciame Construction Co, Inc.
  • Construction or renovation cost
  • $32000000
  • Building Style
  • Civic Building
  • Company Public
  • Dattner Architects
  • Expected or actual energy savings
  • 20%
  • Construction or rehab cost per square foot
  • $410
  • Owner/Developer
  • The New York Public Library
  • Building energy consultant/MEP
  • Jonathan Rose & Companies LLC/ Steven Winter Associates, Inc.
  • LEED/Green Building Consultant
  • Dattner Archtiects
  • Landscape architect
  • MKW + Associates LLC
  • Interior architect
  • Dattner Architects