Work has begun on the $36 million transformation of Crown Heights' historic Eastern Parkway Library, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Thursday. The project at 1044 Eastern Parkway will expand public space at the century-old Brooklyn Public Library branch by more than 50 percent while preserving its historic architecture. Led by the city's Department of Design and Construction, the renovation is expected to be completed in summer 2028.
The original two-story library was established in 1914 and designed by Raymond F. Almirall as part of a $5.2 million gift from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The Classical Revival-style building features a limestone facade and long, arched windows. Designed by Allied Works, the renovation will expand public space by 12,250 square feet and add a 13,400-square-foot, three-story wing along Schenectady Avenue. The project is funded by the Office of the Mayor, the City Council, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and the state Assembly.
The expanded facility will include dedicated reading and learning spaces, a multipurpose room with a projector, a teen zone, two children's zones, a STEAM room, a community room, and a classroom in the building's restored fireplace room. A new glass facade will bring more natural light into the library and make the building fully ADA-compliant with a new elevator and entrance ramp. The renovation will also add modern, energy-efficient lighting and upgrade plumbing, HVAC, and fire alarm systems, with the library expected to achieve LEED Silver certification. Artwork by local artist Oasa DuVerney will be displayed through the Department of Cultural Affairs' Percent for Art Program.
During construction, library services will continue at a temporary location provided by the Settlement Housing Fund, with furniture donated by IKEA and additional support for interim services provided by Amazon. The temporary branch is expected to open this fall. What remains unknown from the single source is the precise construction timeline beyond the summer 2028 target, the breakdown of funding commitments among the named public entities, and any potential cost overruns or community concerns about the temporary service arrangement.