NYC Breaks Ground at NYPL Castle Hill
Abruzzo Bodziak Architects is the architect for the comprehensive renovation of The New York Public Library’s Castle Hill branch in the Bronx, a $17 million project led by the NYC Department of Design and Construction that broke ground in December 2025. The project will transform the existing 1981 building with a redesigned façade, inviting entrance, abundant natural light through new skylights, and fully ADA-compliant access and facilities. Inside, the renovated library will include dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults, meeting and multi-purpose rooms, improved technology and Wi-Fi, and staff work areas that support service delivery. A green roof and upgraded environmental systems aim for LEED Silver certification. The design was informed by community input and seeks to deepen the branch’s role as a neighborhood hub for learning, connection, and opportunity, strengthening Castle Hill’s cultural infrastructure and expanding access to free educational resources and public space for local residents. Read DDC’s official press release here.
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In December, New York City’s Department of Design and Construction broke ground on ABA’s renovation and expansion of the Castle Hill Library in the Bronx, developed with DDC and the New York Public Library. The project reworks the 1981 branch into modern civic architecture with clear ties to NYPL’s Carnegie-era traditions. The design establishes a more legible public entry and stronger street presence, anchored by a new central reading room animated by skylights and daylight.
Interior spaces are reorganized to better serve children, teens, and adults, with improved accessibility, updated building systems, expanded technology, and a mix of quiet study areas and flexible community spaces. Sustainability upgrades, including a green roof and energy-efficient systems, are integrated throughout. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Read more in The Architect’s Newspaper: “Abruzzo Bodziak Architects is modernizing the Bronx’s Castle Hill Public Library.”
ABA has won a competitive RFP through New York City’s Department of Design and Construction Design Excellence Program for the re-design of New York Public Library’s Castle Hill Branch in the Bronx.
The New York Public Library has announced the exciting news that Castle Hill Library will be receiving an extensive renovation to support branch service for generations to come. Designed by ABA as a modern building with ties to NYPL’s Carnegie traditions, the project starts construction in Spring 2025. To prepare, NYPL has launched a survey about future programming and services. Visit the branch’s website for more details, and stay tuned for updates!
The New York Public Library has announced the exciting news that Castle Hill Library will be receiving a complete renovation—managed by New York City Department of Design and Construction—to support branch service for generations to come. Designed by ABA as a modern building with ties to NYPL’s Carnegie traditions, the project starts construction this fall. Visit NYPL’s website for more details, and stay tuned for updates!
