LIBRARY NOTES
The limestone steps in the main entryway
before the demolition. Note the wide landing.
Installing the Handi-Lift, essentially a platform that runs on a track secured to the western wall of the entryway, was no easy task. In order to fix the track to the wall so that the lift could travel smoothly and safely, several things needed to be done. First, we had to remove the wide landing from the middle of the limestone staircase, plus all of the steps from the bottom half of the staircase.
The main entryway following
removal of the limestone steps.
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One of the workmen from 30M
in the area beneath the stairs
designated Closed Stacks.
The area is used for storing
oversized books and periodicals.
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We then had to reset the steps so that the staircase ran in an unobstructed line from the top to the bottom landing. We were able to reuse all of the original steps, each of which was made of the finest quality Italian limestone known as Botticino Fiorito from Brescia, just east of Milan. As a testimony to our superb contractor, 30M Construction, many of the contractors the Library spoke with when we began this project told us it was highly unlikely that the steps could be preserved. 30M President John McBride was the lone exception. Not only was he able to rise to the challenge, but not a single slab of limestone was broken or even cracked. In the end, the stairs looked so good that when we reopened the Library, it took some work to convince members that something had actually been done in the entryway.
After removal, the limestone stairs from the main entryway
were piled up in front of the Circulation Desk.
Corrugated steel decking
supports the new steps.
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The main entryway
after all work was completed.
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We also had to reinforce the west wall with concrete to ensure it could bear the weight of the lift.
The west wall fully reinforced
and ready to bear the weight
of the Handi-Lift.
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The frame for
the new concrete.
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Finally, there was the problem of making the actual threshold to the building fully accessible, which meant lowering the entire doorway so that it was level with the sidewalk on 79th Street. Previously, anyone wishing to enter the building would have had to step up from street level, an obvious impediment to our building being handicap accessible. The new design was approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Workmen removing and lowering
the old step up into the building.
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The new threshold, now flush
with the sidewalk on 79th Street.
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The Handi-Lift ready for service.
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