The addition of ADA access to the Huntington Free Library brings architect Frederick C. Wither’s 1890 Victorian Gothic structure into the twenty-first century. What began under local patrons as a free reading room whose mission was to give access to books and periodicals for all, is now accessible physically regardless of disability to the whole community, through a ramped approach both to the main building entrance as well as its surrounding outdoor spaces. Looking to the original structure for its form, the design takes its cues from Withers, with an octagonal landing presiding at the main door, and the motif of the gothic arch, here transformed in the ramp’s guardrail into the interlocking curves of an open book, signifying openness to all.

The roof, which we returned to natural slate (after it was replaced by asphalt shingles at some point during the 20th century, is the first in a series of restoration projects for this Bronx landmark designed by Frederick C Withers, that will bring the building back to its original design. In the next phase we will be providing ADA access through the front door so that the library is accessible to all members of the community.

Photo: roof at front facade, Oct 2023 (two weeks before completion.) More photos of the roof project to follow.

Thanks Paige Davidson for covering our recent UES Townhouse renovation for AN Interior Magazine. All photos by Imagen Subliminal.

ANInterior: SW Residence

Three-story renovation of Italianate townhouse for contemporary art collector family on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is complete.

Photo: Glass Wetbar

We are honored to be working with the Huntington Free Library at Westchester Square in the Bronx on the renovation of their historic structure, to include new ADA access at the side and front of the building as well as roof restoration to include the uncovering of original roof tower elements. Drawings are currently in the approval phase with city and state commissions. A big thank you to the Landmarks Conservancy for their funding and support.

Framing almost complete at the Kirk Lake House in Putnam County

Principals Amanda Schachter and Alexander Levi receive the 2022 NYSCA/NYFA fellowship award for Architecture/Environmental Structures/ Design.

NYFA

Single Family Lakefront Home in New York’s Putnam County is under construction. Scheduled Completion Spring 2023

Bloomberg Philanthropies: Transforming Plastic Bottles into Art

John Freeman Gill’s article on our work with YMPJ, Loving the Bronx and The Bronx River Alliance for Westchester Avenue Station, Jan 28, 2022

The New York Times: Bronx River Right-of-Way