Following a comprehensive facilities assessment process, KG+D collaborated with the Bedford Hills Community House to complete various capital improvement projects throughout the center. Projects include the addition of an elevator, HVAC improvements, window, doors and roof replacement, site improvements, flooring replacements, new lighting, kitchen and bathroom renovations, renovate conference room, replace stairs and complete electrical system upgrade. The project goal is to assist the Town of Bedford in continuing to maintain and restore the property and facility to allow it to continue to be a distinctive part of the Bedford Hills community.

KG+D collaborated with the Chappaqua Library on an additions and renovations project. Additions include a new children’s area, a new teen activity center and cafe. The renovated spaces include the existing children’s area, office spaces, staff areas and restroom facilities. The new children’s area will utilize flexible furniture and have a computer zone, study spaces, a reading pod and direct access to a grass courtyard. The teen activity center is an open space lined with glass window walls and featuring flexible furniture for small and large group gathering. There is an adjacent café space as well as a small study/presentation/meeting room.

The Great Neck Public Library main branch facility was transformed—generally within the footprint of the existing building—into a flexible 21st Century Library. The overall project goal for the renovation of the original 1970’s building was to create a more open, user friendly and inviting environment throughout the library, while utilizing views of Udall Pond. To accomplish this goal, the design solution relocated and reconfigured a number of library functions and spaces in order to better facilitate the library’s programming.

The initial phase of the design process explored several design solutions based on the detailed design program developed by the community based Building Advisory Committee. The selected solution reconfigured the main entry, created a larger and more accessible Community Room, converted space for books into areas for patrons, relocated and expanded the Children’s area and improved the buildings systems and infrastructure.

KG+D collaborated with the Yonkers’ Will Library to restore “in-kind” their mid-century modern facility designed by Eli Rabineau, while keeping the existing aesthetic, improving daylighting and meeting current code requirements. The project replaced failed concrete cladding, replaced outdated window systems, replaced degraded exterior shading systems and replaced related exterior elements including guard rails, doors and signage. The process for the replacement of the exterior shading system involved an extensive solar shading study – vertical sunshades were utilized to allow in more light and protect against ultraviolet rays. The second phase of the project replace the façade’s cement panels with terra-cotta panels that offered insultation and a vapor barrier, which made a huge impact on the sustainability of the building and increased its energy efficiency. The re-envision façade not only upgrades the façade panels and curtain wall but allows for a refreshed appearance that visually re-energizes the building. In addition to the exterior renovations, KG+D is now working with the Will Library on various interior renovations including upgrades to their community room and computer labs.

This new, 2-story, 28,000 sf public library features a large main reading room with extensive day lighting, large flexible children’s room, teen room, and flexible lower-level community room with direct access to the exterior for use outside of regular library hours.