Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library is in the top 24% of projects in the rating system.
LEED DASHBOARD:
Energy and Atmosphere 10/17, Materials and Resources 7/13, Indoor Environmental Quality 8/15, Sustainable Sites 9/14, Water Efficiency 4/5, Innovation in Design 4/5, Total 42/69 possible points.
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The New York Armory was purchased from New York State in 1994 for the grand sum of $1. The Nesconset Armory stood vacant for almost seventeen years. From 1994 until 2008 the building sat rotting from neglect. For years, Town Government couldn’t decide whether to turn the building over to the library, use it for a recreation center or for a YMCA. Eventually the building was turned over to the Smithtown Library and on June 30, 2011 the Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library opened its doors to the public.
In 2008 voters throughout the town approved a $21 million bond for the expansion and improvement of all the Library’s buildings. The Nesconset Branch, located in rented space in a strip mall since the 70’s, had outgrown its surroundings. The armory, across the street from the strip mall, proved to be a viable facility for a library and community center in Nesconset.
After considerable reconstruction of the building the former armory was transformed. The blighted building covered in graffiti has become a welcoming, clean and airy library.
The inside of the library is well lit and provides easy access to books, and all types of media. There are reading areas for children and community areas for children’s programs. There are designated areas for teens and new computers. But it is the combination of the Library and the town park outside the library that makes this branch unparalleled in the Smithtown Library system.
Behind the Nesconset Library to the right of the building is a children’s park that is separated by fencing from a children’s water park. On the opposite side of the parking lot there is a deck hockey rink and a small skateboard area. There is also a track for jogging and walking, tennis courts and soccer fields.
The architects behind the new Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Special Library District have received recognition for its design.
The Long Island chapter of the American Institute of Architect awarded BBS Architects and Engineers the 2011 Sustainable Design for its work in converting the former Nesconset armory into a public library.
The 25,000-square-foot space building was fully renovated with new lighting, electrical, plumbing and heating ventilation and air-conditioning units. BBS converted the armory's former drill space into an open space library plan that allows in natural light.
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