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New Rochelle Library, Plaza and Downtown Master Plan New Rochelle, NY
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The centerpiece for New Rochelle downtown master plan was the conversion of an automobile garage into an award winning 75,000 square foot three-level library. In addition to a full scale library collection, reading areas and offices, the building contains an art gallery, a community center, auditorium (for lectures, films, concerts, and plays), meeting rooms, coffee shop, media center, and a children's center. It also has a major energy conservation program as part of its program. Other parts of the plan introduced a market, public plaza and walkway system which linked the library with major downstairs stores and shops.
With its central location in the Downtown Master Plan, the library also serves many community functions. The building has both public and private zones. The public area is an extension of a new pedestrian walkway and contains a lounge, an exhibition space, a coffee shop and the foyer for the new auditorium. Opposite the main lobby is the library portion of the building, which can be closed off by a rolling screen, leaving the public spaces accessible for nighttime or off hour use. Internal activities and external pedestrian circulation patterns encourage extensive community use of the building. Recognition of this project includes the American Institute of Architect's Award of Excellence, a Special Award for Excellence in Design from the New York State Association of Architects, and an Urban Design Award from the Urban Design Institute. |
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For more information contact:
Lee Harris Pomeroy Associates / Architect
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