Gould Memorial Library at University Heights| 2060 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453. Meeting Place: Front Steps Gould Memorial Library.
Gould Memorial Library of University Heights is Stanford White’s signature building. Initially designed in 1898 for the uptown campus of NYU it has since been recognized as a national landmark. Now part of the CUNY system, the library is the formal centerpiece of the current Bronx Community College. The campus includes several other McKim Mead and White buildings, a series of Marcel Breuer buildings, and the new North Hall library building designed by Robert A.M. Stern.
Over time library functions have moved out of Gould, and the landmark has sought a new purpose. In addition, the physical condition of the building has deteriorated such that significant historic fabric has been damaged, including interior landmarked spaces. Gould has now been listed on the Preservation League of New York State’s 2016-2017 – “Seven to Save” list.
Tour guides Robin Auchincloss, Director of Campus Facilities and Planning, and Preservation Architect Charlie Kramer, AIA, will review the history of Gould Memorial Library, and discuss the efforts to start restoration and repurposing work.
The tour will include the publicly accessible Rotunda, as well as the normally inaccessible stacks and auditorium. After the tour is complete visitors will have the option to visit White’s Hall of Fame of Great Americans on their own, located at the base of Gould Memorial Library, as well view the entire architectural heritage of Bronx Community College.
Welcome: Caterina Roiatti, AIA, Co-Chair, AIANY Historic Buildings Committee
Led by:
Robin Auchincloss, Director of Campus Facilities, Bronx Community College
Charlie Kramer, AIA, Preservation Architect
Organized by: AIANY Historic Buildings Committee
Price: $5 for AIA members; $10 for non-members
Tour limited to 12. Walkups cannot be guaranteed a spot on the tour.
