Queens West: Luxury on the Waterfront

**Kris** · April 21st, 2004, 06:51 AM

Queens West Library, Long Island City, New York. 2004.

Situated within a new high-rise residential development, this branch library will provide a public amenity for the entire neighborhood. The building is situated on New York's East River, opposite the United Nations, offering postcard views of the Manhattan skyline.

Located at the boundaries of the new housing development and Gantry Plaza State Park, the building mediates between urban and landscaped areas, presenting a planted roof, a true "fifth elevation" to the hundreds of residential apartments overlooking the site. The roof will be designed to collect storm water runoff, minimize reflected heat and require minimal maintenance or irrigation.

The one-story building rises up along the major avenue, creating a high street wall. At the south and west sides, deep structural fins frame views towards the river and control sunlight penetration into the reading areas. A glass-screened reading terrace, offers views while providing protection from the wind and sun.

The planted roof, natural day lighting and ventilation, an efficient mechanical plant as well as recyclable, locally produced building materials follow sustainable "green" architectural practices.

www.dattner.com

**krulltime** · April 21st, 2004, 06:24 PM

Interesting...

**ischeong** · April 23rd, 2004, 11:03 PM

I heard that the Schwartz Chemical Factory was recently sold. Any idea what it will be used for by the current owner?

**Archit_K** · April 24th, 2004, 06:55 AM

Queen West is going to look good. It's developing it's own skyline.

**NoyokA** · April 24th, 2004, 09:17 AM

I heard that the Schwartz Chemical Factory was recently sold. Any idea what it will be used for by the current owner?

I would like to see the building preserved, but its hot real estate, Im sure it'll make way for something else.

**billyblancoNYC** · April 24th, 2004, 09:44 AM

The only plans I heard for it were a cultural center, but that might just be wishful thinking on someone's part. The smokestacks do evoke an LIC feel, though.

**NoyokA** · April 24th, 2004, 09:49 AM

The only plans I heard for it were a cultural center, but that might just be wishful thinking on someone's part. The smokestacks do evoke an LIC feel, though.

Hopefully, they have true character, as does the Gantries and the Pepsi sign.

**ZippyTheChimp** · April 24th, 2004, 10:14 AM

**OKoranjes** · April 24th, 2004, 02:47 PM

the picture is good because it shows how awful the addition to the great historic original is... If they restore it surely they will knock that half off!

**krulltime** · April 24th, 2004, 05:47 PM

Yeah...this is going to be interesting!

**ZippyTheChimp** · April 30th, 2004, 03:56 PM

The Pepsi sign and midtown from the latest addition to Gantry Park.

**billyblancoNYC** · April 30th, 2004, 04:32 PM

The area looks just about cleared. I would love to see some construction soon. Anyone heard anything?

**Gulcrapek** · June 28th, 2004, 09:49 PM

Old design I guess

http://www.perspectivearts.com/p_arts_queens.htm

**Johnnyboy** · June 28th, 2004, 10:27 PM

I like this.

we need more construction on at least mid rise buildings in the other boroughs of new york besides manhattan. hope more of this activity happens. better skyline.