After many false starts, and many false stories, it looks like the journey to the starting line is nearing an end. This morning our exalted leaders held a press conference on Center Boulevard, confirming that construction of the Hunters Point Library will begin in the Spring. Below are the details from the press release, but what I found most interesting about the release was that it included quotes from 11 different people!
The 21,500-square-foot branch which was designed by renowned architect Steven Holl will feature a reading garden, rooftop terrace, reading rooms for all ages, a gallery, performance space, a children’s area and sweeping views of the New York City’s skyline from the East River. Public service is expected to begin in 2017.
The long delayed project was originally supposed to be completed …well I no longer remember when. The most recent hiccup occurred about a year ago after the original design was put out to bid and came in $10 million over budget. Nevertheless when it is completed, Long Island City will be a) spectacular, and b) one step away from being complete. What’s left after the library?
Ahh, funny you should ask. With the mind taken care of, the body needs rejuvenation. So the next, and last, project for residents and pols to focus on is the much needed Hunters Point Rec Center. In the meantime, let’s live for today and enjoy the vision of the library. It’s gonna be a beaut!
//Youth basketball for grades K-3 starts this Sunday, February 1 at the PS/IS 78 gymnasium. The boys session is full, but there are still 4 slots left for girls. For more information contact editor@lictalk.com
Hunters Point Takes a Major Step Towards Its Dream Library – Oops, a little early! This article was written in 2012.
Excitement Surrounding the New Hunters Point Library – lotsa pics from today’s event
Is M. Wells Dinette Abandoning Haute Quebecoise for Sandwiches? – oh man, where else in LIC am I going to find escargot and bone marrow for lunch?
Behold the Spaghetti Sandwich, Back on the Menu at M. Wells – you gotta love a restaurant open Thursday thru Monday from noon til 6pm
City Living: Astoria/LIC Border Has Great Food, Affordable Digs, Culture – ain’t no denying
Award Winning Artwork to Stand in Court Square – hmm, will it be a Koons or Hirst?
Corona, Queens: Affordable with Latin Flavor – “it is home to the most heavily Latin American immigrant community in Queens. Colombian bakeries, Mexican taquerias and Dominican lunch counters dot commercial areas. Spanish conversations fill the streets.”
Professor Knowitall says
January 30, 2015 at 8:52 amThis library will be the crown jewel of the Queens library system, just as the NYPL on 42nd is for Manhattan.