The Hunters Point Library will finally be completed, and will be the first freestanding library constructed in Queens in decades. The library will be located in Long Island City, right on Gantry Plaza, and is a topic of debate for many, especially the residents living near the Gantry.
The Hunters Point Community Library is set to be complete by 2017. Unlike conventional forms of building structure, the library will look quite like an art piece, which would compliment the artistry that can be found scattered in Long Island City. The building was designed by Steven Holl Architects, and will consist of outdoor space for leisurely reading. The interior will consist of sections specifically for kids, teens, and adults. In order for the building not to blend so much with the tall residential buildings behind, the exterior concrete will be painted an aluminum color, creating a more prominent and distinguishable design. Goers to this building will be able to view the skyline from inside, as well as outside, while having access to various books for all ages.
The 22,000 square foot space would serve as a complimentary addition to the community, as there are only four libraries in Long Island City. Not only this, but it would be a personable piece of Long Island City that would be seen from the East of Manhattan, similarly to the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign. This means that it would provide additional character to the neighborhood.
The estimated $38 million project is near completion, and many are excited to see it up and running. It is a sign of progress of the development of Long Island City. As buildings rise, so too must the character of this neighborhood, and this building is seen as a crucial step towards the personalization of the community that would be accessible for New Yorkers everywhere.
By next summer, the building is expected to be open to the public, but this does not necessarily provide joy for everyone, especially dwellers within the vicinity of the library.
Upon looking at remarks on the building’s project, it can be seen that there are mixed feelings in regards to how the building would impact the community. Residents who once had a beautiful view of the skyline from their barely affordable apartments already have an obstructed view of the city. A big reason why people move to areas such as the Gantry Plaza is because of the sights they can intake while at home. The Hunters Point Library is seen as an obstructive block for those who once were able to fully view the skyline of Manhattan. If one were to walk past the unfinished structure, it would be evident that it does indeed block many residents’ expensive views, which would obviously be a dilemma for the community.
The Hunters Point Library was created in part, to depict a unique form of construction. The building is far from traditional, and some would say that a block of concrete is not suitable for such a beautiful location. There were comments on the building looking too out of place, or that it would have been much better if the building were made of a different material. The appreciation of art varies from one person to the other, and the building’s composition brings concern about how it would fit in with the environment it was placed in.
I would interview residents of the area, as well as others who visit the Gantry. It is important to have different perspectives. Residential and nonresidential people would have distinctive views of the library. It would be best to do the reporting within the vicinity of the building, as there are people who come to Long Island City for leisure, and people who live in Long Island City who frequent the area. On a daily basis, there are many people strolling around the area, and since I would like to cover the opinions of this new building, this would be the location I would be around.
The completion of the Hunters Point Community Library is not only important to Long Island City, but is also important to New York as a whole. It will be a distinct landmark of the area, and provides artistic vision while providing public benefits to all who choose to utilize it.