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Featured Project

About Anna

Anna Lawrence is a project manager at Gilbane Building Company, managing multiple trade packages for the Brooklyn Public Library Central Library Renovation Project. Her focus is on sustainable construction and energy-efficient solutions.

Beyond her project work, she co-leads the WBC's Ambassadors Council, promoting diversity in construction. Her work has been recognized with the WBC's 2021 Next Generation of Women Builders Award and Gilbane's 2023 Dedication to Excellence Award.

Project Overview

Anna is managing Phase Two of the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library renovation, a $95 million project focused on improving public spaces and accessibility.

Working on a historic landmark comes with specific challenges. The team has to ensure they preserve the existing architecture while updating the infrastructure. Once work begins and walls are opened in these old buildings, they often discover hidden issues like asbestos, mold, or structural problems that weren't apparent initially. They also need to bring everything up to current building codes and accessibility standards, which can be tricky in a historic structure.

One of their biggest challenges is keeping the library operational during construction. The team has to carefully phase their work to minimize disruption to library services. Despite the challenges, it's a rewarding project. They're preserving an important piece of cultural heritage while creating something that will have a real impact on the community through improved educational spaces and services.

Have you worked on a project that you’d like us to feature? Tell us about it!

We also have something exciting in the works for our next event. Stay tuned for updates, coming soon!

🖼️ Call for designs

• LF25 Commemorative Poster Design Contest - Beginning in 2025, Living Future will be producing an annual commemorative poster for our flagship event, and they are looking for a winning design. The designer chosen will have their byline printed on the back of the poster, along with the sponsor of the poster and Letterpress PDX. Submit by March 15!

👨‍🏫 Upcoming AEC Courses

• (2/6) ROCKWOOL Component Spotlight: Mastering Modern EIFS with Stone Wool Insulation - register here

• (2/25) Master Conflict Resolution in Construction - register here

📰 Our favorite reads, listens & watches

• Plans for a 16-mile Queens greenway advance as DOT wraps up public workshops - The 16-Mile Queens Waterfront Greenway Will Connect Gantry Plaza State Park to Fort Totten Park Along the East River and Long Island Sound.

• Long Island City’s Hunters Point South Park named one of NYC’s best parks - Hunters Point received a Park Condition Score of 95/100, ranking it among the highest-rated parks in the city.

• 46-year-old Australian architecture firm runs on 10% profit margin - Money has always been taboo in our industry. But that's shifting…Despite the growing need for financial transparency, many architects have kept firm finances close to the vest, even with partners and close colleagues. But now, more architecture firm owners are sharing financial insights to grow stronger, more resilient firms.

• AAC, a Novel Stucco, and Innovative Details in Duplex - Levy is a former wood technology instructor, who still loves wood. Yet, he is well-versed in its potential limitations, and has chosen to eschew wood as a framing material for many years now.

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Until next time,

Emma & Sawyer