Location
476 Fifth Avenue
Completion
2002
Client
New York Public Library
Square Footage
44,000 SF
Architect
Davis Brody Bond, LLP
Location
476 Fifth Avenue
Completion
2002
Client
New York Public Library
Square Footage
44,000 SF
Architect
Davis Brody Bond, LLP
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the renovation of the South Court Building. A three-story infill structure in the open south courtyard of the Center for Humanities Building. It’s the first permanent addition to the Historic Bryant Park in 89 years. The addition accommodates the Library’s growing public education program as well as provides administration and staff support space. The new building houses an electronic Teaching Center, the Celeste Bartos Education Center auditorium, administrative offices, and an employee lounge located on the glass-walled top floor.
The South Court Building stands as a prominent modern addition to the New York Public Library, while simultaneously enhancing the original landmark building. The entire structure is sky lit and the floor is set back from the existing stonewalls of the courtyard, revealing the façades to the public for the first time. The original foundation walls are exposed at the bottom of a glass staircase, which descends from the first floor to the auditorium. This successful integration of the original building and the new structure was an important design goal of the project, a goal that the architects worked closely with the Library to achieve. The result is a building with a sophisticated sense of modernity that preserves the original building’s integrity.
The New Victory Theater – Originally built in 1900 as The Republic, the first performing arts venue on 42nd Street, the theater was transformed into The New Victory in 1995, becoming New York’s first theater for children and families. The renovation uncovered and restored original architectural elements, added a new lobby carved from the existing structure and bedrock, rebuilt the historic staircase, and created space for much-needed restrooms. A rear wing was added for backstage access, dressing rooms, workshops, and a loading dock, while new elevators and rooftop HVAC systems were integrated to meet modern needs of the historic theater.
We’re turning 50! As we count down to Sciame’s 50th anniversary on June 13th, we’re celebrating the moments that shaped us. For the next 50 days, we’ll be sharing one standout project a day in our “Countdown to 50”.
Thank you to our amazing clients, team, and friends! We wouldn’t be here without you.
Sciame is honored to have served as the construction manager for the expansion and refurbishment of The Frick Collection, working alongside Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle to bring this vision to life. As the museum prepares to reopen next month, we’re pleased to see this project receive high praise in The New York Times from esteemed architecture critic Michael Kimmelman.
🔗 Click the link in our bio to read more.
📰: The New York Times
📸: by Lila Barth