Work is underway on the modernization of the Castle Hill Library, a one-story building at 947 Castle Hill Avenue in Castle Hill, The Bronx. Designed by Abruzzo Bodziak Architects LLC and managed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, the $17 million project will overhaul the structure’s interiors and replace its red brick façade with a modern envelope. The property is located by the corner of Bruckner Boulevard and Castle Hill Avenue.
Wooden fencing surrounds the building as crews work to gut the building. The project began in the first week of December 2025.
Castle Hill Library. Photo by Michael Young.
Castle Hill Library. Photo by Michael Young.
The above main rendering previews a light-gray brick facade featuring alternating horizontal and vertical bond patterns in series of interlocking trapezoidal segments. A floor-to-ceiling window will sit at the center of the ground floor, surrounded by signage.
Below is an interior rendering of the adult reading room.
The adult reading room at Castle Hill Library. Rendering courtesy of Abruzzo Bodziak Architects.
The following Google Street View image shows the former look of the building.
Castle Hill Library. Image via Google Maps.
The renovation will also involve the replacement of the roof assembly to prevent water infiltration, along with the installation of new heating and cooling systems. The building will receive increased power to support the growing high-tech needs of the community.
The modernized facility will feature dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, a larger community room, and an accessible entry and bathrooms.
The nearest subway from the site is the 6 train at the elevated Castle Hill Avenue station to the north along Westchester Avenue.
The overhaul of Castle Hill Library is planned to be completed in the summer of 2027.
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It’s certainly an improvement from the bomb shelter that currently is there.
Brutal, but welcoming..bravo.
Who is the awarded Contractor?
Should put apartments on top…
Agreed. This was planned years ago though before they started considering housing atop libraries.
Mike. No because that would have them spend way more than the $35m budget. Besides the NYPL doesn’t own the land beneath it.
Given the graffitti, the older design may prove more practical. Glass etching substances, which are often not acids, can permanently ruin the large glass windows. I have seen large sheets of plastic film placed over store windows in Manhattan to combat this.
That original “design” is unbelievably sad. The revised exterior is a very welcomed change. Make sure the brick is coated with anti-graffiti sealant.
That library stopped having graffiti on it for over 30 years because it does have a sealant on it. Most of the graffiti vandals are holding down jobs now. While this new generation does nothing constructive except smoke weed.
Also the adjoining building on the left is not under the purview of NYPL hance the “mural” not being touched after many many years
Once a parking lot for a fast food restaurant was turned into a 1fl library. Hopefully the relocation of the front entrance to the emergency exit swap will make it stand out more for passerbys. Something could have been done to make a more pleasant façade than both iterations.