The New York Public Library Macomb's Bridge Library

Michielli + Wyetzner Architects were asked to create a new branch for The New York Public Library at Harlem River Houses, a landmarked public housing complex located in an under-served neighborhood in Upper Manhattan. Constructed in 1936, Harlem River Houses was the first federally funded housing project in NYC. 

Situated on the street level, along the major thoroughfare of Adam Clayton Powell Junior Boulevard, the new 3,500 square foot library was created from seven separate and demised storefronts. Because the facility is adjacent to a public park and can be seen from a distance, a new entrance and canopy were created at the south to give the branch greater visibility in the community. In addition, the exterior of the branch was cleaned and restored, including storefront windows, which were replaced with bronze mullions and details to make them compatible with their original design while adding new insulated glass for energy efficiency.  

With no basement below, the existing ceilings of the spaces were low and obstructed with piping inherited from the four stories of apartments above. The architects took advantage of a setback on the floor above to lift the roof, raise the ceiling, and add clerestory windows to admit sunlight to the centrally located Children’s Room. The spaces were completely gut-renovated and the brick bearing walls supporting the perpendicular facades above were opened up with new large-scaled, wood-framed interior windows allowing views through and across the light-filled interior. In addition, an Adult Reading Room was included along with a new Community Room and various support spaces. Different floor heights were negotiated with a new book-lined, ADA- compliant ramp, and a wood floor was added to provide a welcoming and warm interior.  A new accessible wood slat ceiling along the main walkway conceals HVAC units, and brightly colored corridors indicate public bathrooms. Book shelves were mostly built into walls to conserve open space. 

The branch performs numerous services for the surrounding community, including English as Second Language classes, job training, computer and technology classes and small business seminars. In addition, after school programs for children are provided, which include story times for preschoolers, arts and crafts, and reading programs for visiting classes during school hours. The Macomb’s Bridge Library is hosted “A  People’s History of Harlem,” a Harlem neighborhood Oral History project where local  residents are trained to interview longtime residents to tell their stories of this renowned  New York neighborhood.  

Awards and Publications:
2021 AIANY Chapter Interiors Design Merit Award
2020 AIA New York State Adaptive Reuse Design Merit Award