Walt Whitman Library

COMMUNITY

Brooklyn, NY

    • Comprehensive project management including project financial and funding management.

    • Ensure that the project is delivered in accordance with the City pass-thru grant requirements.

    • Negotiate business terms of Construction Management Agreement and manage all Owner-direct vendors and consultants.

    • The existing size of the elevator shaft limited options for replacing the equipment.

    • Reinstallation of historic Bas Relief panels which were previously removed from Brooklyn Heights Library.

    • Management of the Public Design Commission (PDC) review process.

    • Owner - Brooklyn Public Library

    • Architect - Belmont Freeman Architects

    • Builder - Benchmark Builders

    • Renderings - Belmont Freeman Architects

The Walt Whitman Library, funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and built in the classic Revival style, opened on St. Edwards St in Fort Greene in 1908. Today, it serves the Fort Greene community and residents of numerous public housing complexes, including the Raymond Ingersoll and Walt Whitman Housing complexes. This much-needed renovation will improve the accessibility of the library by bringing elevator service to all three levels, and will also repurpose back of house space in the lower level as a new community space. The building will be surrounded by all new landscaping featuring the salvaged bas relief panels from the Brooklyn Heights Library. Envoie has shepherded the project team through the design and approvals process and will be providing comprehensive project management through expected re-occupancy in summer of 2026.

“With new and expanded spaces for children, teens, and adult learners, the renovation of Central Library is an investment in the borough’s future.”

- Linda E. Johnson
President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library

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