Owner: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Architect: SLCE Architects
General Contractor: Bovis Lend Lease
Location: 55 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Building Type: University Library Renovation

A complete renovation of the library for the Cardozo School of Law, with design by the architectural firm SLCE. The remodeled floor contains three spacious reading rooms, two student computer work areas, a conference room, the Reference Desk and collection, and the Circulation Desk and Reserve collection.

The result is a quiet and relaxing space, with soft indirect lighting and natural materials, giving the library a calm atmosphere, ideal for studying.

The lobby welcomes the visitor with a unique circular glass wall. The stacks are now lighted indirectly from above. New reading areas were created with more direct lighting, and a new central convenience staircase was added within the library.

Project Timing:
The project involved serious timing issues, as the library had to be reopened in time for the winter exams. P.Wolfe worked with the city to expedite approvals when needed, to ensure project completion.

Reconsiderations:
Due to timing issues, occupancy of the library was needed BEFORE the Fire Alarm system was signed-off. To get a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, Fire Guards with FDNY Certificates of Fitness were added and maintained at all times the space was occupied. A statement was added to the TCO stating this, and occupancy was allowed. Once the Fire Alarm system was approved, an amended TCO was filed and obtained with the language removed, and the guards were removed.

P.Wolfe's Scope of Work included:

• Approval of Alteration Type-I
• Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
• Final Certificate of Occupancy
• Sprinkler Application
• Fire Alarm Application