Project Overview and Vision

The Living Library Project is a pioneering initiative combining 800 units of 100% affordable housing with a newly constructed public library on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This mixed-use development integrates residential, educational, and community resources to create a holistic neighborhood hub, reflecting New York City’s commitment to inclusive urban development.

• Located at the former Bloomingdale Library site, previously an open-air parking lot, now under redevelopment.
• The library occupies the lower floors with state-of-the-art facilities, classrooms, and community spaces.
• Affordable housing units occupy the upper stories, emphasizing family-sized apartments and accessibility.
• Designed by a leading architecture firm, incorporating sustainable building practices and historic style compatibility.
• Project budget totals approximately $400 million including public and private funding sources.
• Expected completion timeline set for mid-2026 with community-enhanced planning process.

The project is part of the broader “Living Libraries” initiative to reimagine library sites citywide as centers of community uplift.

Funding and Financial Overview

Funding data is from NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, NYPL and project proposals, 2024-2025.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Input

The project's design and programmatic priorities were shaped by a robust community engagement process:

• 270 community survey responses collected via online questionnaires.
• Multiple neighborhood and school outreach events with thousands of attendees.
• Ongoing meetings with Bronx Community Board 4 and elected officials.
• Public visioning workshop resulting in priorities for affordable housing design, library services, and neighborhood integration.
• Collaboration with BronxCare Health Network and Claremont Park to maximize health and recreational benefits.

Affordable Housing Component Details

• 800 new affordable units prioritizing families, seniors, and formerly homeless.
• Compliance with New York’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) programs with income tier targeting 30%-80% AMI (Area Median Income).
• Building will include energy efficient technologies, green roofs, and on-site community spaces.
• Projected average monthly rents expected ~35-45% below market rate for UWS.
• Supportive social services integrated with housing to facilitate resident stability and workforce development.

Public Library Facilities and Services

The new library offers over 35,000 sq ft of modern, flexible space including:

• Ground and second floors with community meeting rooms, technology labs, and youth programming centers.
• Expanded collection with digital access points and multilingual resources.
• Dedicated study areas and maker spaces for STEM and arts education.
• Collaborations with Bronx schools for afterschool literacy and cultural programs.
• Outdoor programmed plaza connecting to nearby Claremont Park.

Upper West Side and City Funding Highlights related to Living Library Project

Funding supporting this and related community projects was included in NYC’s 2025 adopted budget:

• $112.4 billion citywide budget, increasing from $107B 2024; significant allocations to community infrastructure on the UWS.
• Over $26 million for UWS cultural institutions and libraries including the NY Historical Society expansion, AMNH, MOMA support, Jazz at Lincoln Center.
• Specific $7 million+ for parks renovation and safety improvements on the UWS, improving public space accessibility.
• $50,000 and $75,000 grants directed at courtyard repairs and health facilities near the Living Library site (Stryker’s Bay Apartments and Mount Sinai West Hospital).
• Participatory budgeting in Council District 6 ($1M) engaged community input for funding neighborhood priorities including facilities tied to the library.

Sources: NYC Council budget documents, NYC Housing Preservation and Development, New York Public Library press releases, and community board reports, 2024-2025.