Construction has begun at the Center for Brooklyn History (CBH), where we’ve been working with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) to transform the building into a welcoming public destination. The current renovation focuses on the main level with a re-oriented and accessible entrance, new retail space, public lounge areas integrated into the event space, and new connections to the Fransioli Gallery, Othmer library, and exhibition spaces. This project follows a study that identified both short- and long-term strategies for CBH. We are thrilled to be working on this project that consolidates the museum collections from the two foremost Brooklyn archives!
Originally home to the Long Island Historical Society, the building was designed in the late nineteenth century by George B. Post and has since, served a unique variety of purposes. In the 1980’s, it became home to the Brooklyn Historical Society, and now the Center for Brooklyn History within the Brooklyn Public Library system.
Over the weekend, we hosted before-hours tours of Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center as part of OHNY Weekend. The tour was led by Jason Roberts, project architect, and offered a unique look into the 15,000 square foot community library and hub for environmental awareness, activism, and education.
We are thrilled to announce that we will be working in collaboration with MASS Design Group on the renovation of New Lots Library in Brooklyn. The library was built on an African burial ground for enslaved people and the new design will seek to respond to this history by having the library become a celebration of African American heritage. One of the largest libraries in the Brooklyn Public Library System, New Lots is also one of the few libraries in the network that contains an Adult Learning Center.
Over the course of the past few months, MFA has been working in collaboration with Hester Street and MASS Design Group to hold engagement sessions with the East New York Community. Input gathered from these meetings will inform the design and programming of the new space while seeking to transform the library into a nexus for social activism, education, and liberation, through the amplification of the stories of the surrounding community and ancestors buried on site.
Interior Design recently published this year’s version of Best in Design, highlighting iconic architecture throughout the past 90 years in honor of its 90th anniversary. Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center is featured on page 172 as a demonstration of sustainable and resilient design that is intended to change with environmental conditions, and time.
Our Greenpoint Library & Environmental Education Center is selected as a Finalist for the Architizer A+Awards in the Libraries category! The library is one of five projects in the world to be shortlisted for the Popular Choice Vote in this category. Please cast a vote for Greenpoint Library & Environmental Education Center to win this year’s Architizer A+ Award. Voting closes on Friday, May 27 at midnight PT.
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