Department of Design and Construction

Zero Carbon Zoning Amendment Can Remove Obstacles for Sustainability

Mayor Adams proposed a new city amendment to reduce our carbon footprint by removing red tape around certain zoning codes. On June 1, 2022, New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, proposed three new citywide text amendments to improve the City’s equity, sustainability, and housing. Mayor Adams believes current zoning codes have certain restrictions that could be diminished or completely eliminated in order to fulfill these goals. One of the proposed amendments, “Zoning for Zero Carbon,” … <Read More>

DDC Begins Restoration on Landmarked Staten Island Supreme Court Building

On March 30, 2022, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the start of a restoration project for the Staten Island Supreme Court Building, located at 18 Richmond Terrace in St. George, Staten Island. The courthouse, a French Renaissance style temple-fronted limestone building, was built in 1913 and designated a New York City landmark in 1982. 

DDC Picks Firms to Design Future Public Building Projects

Projects will be awarded to the selected firms on a rotating basis. On March 16, 2022, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the selection of twenty firms the agency has contracted with for architectural design services for future public building projects. The firms were selected as part of the Project Excellence Program. The Project Excellence Program pre-qualifies firms to provide design services for public building projects to ensure high quality while saving … <Read More>

City Agencies Announce Completion of Expansion of Montefiore Square in West Harlem

Some of the upgrades include new benches, lighting, and trees. On January 27, 2022, the Departments of Design and Construction (DDC), Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection (DEP), and Parks and Recreation announced the completion of renovations to Montefiore Square in Harlem. Montefiore Square is a triangular plaza located between West 138th Street, Hamilton Place and Broadway.

DDC Announces Reopening of Steinway Library in Astoria After Renovations

On January 18, 2022, the Department of Design and Construction announced the reopening of the Steinway Library at 21-45 31st Street in Astoria. Steinway Library is one of the three original branches from 125 years ago that became the Long Island City Public Library system, later known as the Queens Borough Public Library. Prior to the pandemic, Steinway Library served almost 200,000 customers and circulated over 225,000 materials annually.