Photos, podcast and introduction by Samuel Nakashima

The waterfront along the Queens side of the East River, at Gantry Plaza State Park, has long been identifiable from Manhattan’s shores by the landmarked Pepsi-Cola sign, which survived the neighborhood’s transformation into a gentrified residential area filled with high-rise apartment buildings.

Now, a new landmark is taking shape in the distinctively designed Hunters Point Community Library, expected to be completed in Summer 2017.

Box-shaped with large angled windows cut out of the facade, the library has dull concrete walls that will be painted with an aluminum finish. Reading space will be added along the windows so visitors can take in the Manhattan skyline. The roof will have a garden and seating for readers who want to relax outside.

Designed by Steven Holl Architects, the space will encompass 22,000 feet.

Any time a daring new building is erected, mixed reactions can be found among New Yorkers. In this podcast, New Yorkers give their initial reviews.