News: Preservation Project Restores Landmark Façade of the Library on 42nd Street

February 2, 2011

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One of the New York City’s most revered and cherished icons is celebrating its 100th birthday this year – and thanks to a monumental restoration, it looks just as beautiful as it did on the day it opened as “The People’s Palace” in 1911. The New York Public Library has just completed a three-year, $50 million restoration and preservation of the landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street, which has stood as an impressive symbol of opportunity and access for the people of New York City and the world for a century. The unveiling of the newly restored façade represents the start of a year-long celebration in the building’s honor, which will look back with reverence at all it has meant to the public while also looking towards a bright and exciting future. See before and after photographs documenting the work and watch as NYPL President Paul LeClerc, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and others cut the ribbon on the restored building.