PHOTOS: Brooklyn Heights Library comes down, section by section

May 24, 2017 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

A workman takes a break before returning to demolish the second floor section of the Brooklyn Heights Library directly behind him. That section is now gone. Photos by Mary Frost

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A sign of changing times, the much-contested demolition of the Brooklyn Heights Library building at 280 Cadman Plaza West is well underway. Much of the second floor is down already, and another section disappears with each passing day.

Demolition must be completed before developer Hudson Companies can pull a new building permit, which will allow it to begin construction of a 36-story luxury residential tower on the site.

The new tower will house a modernized 26,620-square-foot library, 133 condominium units, two retail spaces on Clinton Street, and a STEM lab to be operated by the NYC Department of Education. While the new library will be smaller than the current one, the city says its functional area will be increased.

In December, DOB approved Marvel Architects’ plans for 34 floors of apartments, including two penthouse floors. Completion is anticipated for spring 2020, according to Hudson.

The classic stone friezes on the front of the library façade, by sculptor Clemente Spampinato, have been removed.

Hudson’s spokesperson told the Eagle in December that the company will store them for the duration of the construction period. The spokesperson added that BPL is committed to making sure the reliefs are preserved either at the new branch or another location, though the ultimate decision for the reuse will be made by BPL.