A federal magistrate judge has given final approval to a class-action settlement that will force significant architectural changes to the Hunters Point Library in Queens. The decision, made on October 9, 2025, comes six years after the library's opening and addresses more than 100 accessibility barriers that prevented patrons with disabilities from fully using the public space.
Key Takeaways
- A court-approved settlement requires major renovations at the Hunters Point Library in Queens to comply with accessibility laws.
- The changes include adding a new elevator and a skywalk to connect previously inaccessible areas of the multi-level building.
- The lawsuit was filed by disability advocates in 2019, the same year the library opened, citing numerous violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- The City of New York, the Queens Borough Public Library, and its board of trustees were found at fault in the settlement.
Settlement Mandates Structural Changes
The settlement agreement outlines several critical modifications to the library, which was designed by Steven Holl Architects. These changes are intended to remedy the core accessibility issues that prompted the legal action. The library's design, which features multiple tiers and staircases, was criticized for prioritizing aesthetics over function for all members of the public.
New Elevator and Skywalk Required
A central part of the remediation plan involves improving vertical circulation. A new elevator will be installed to provide access between the fourth and fifth tiers of the library, an area that was previously inaccessible to individuals who cannot use stairs. This was a significant barrier noted in the lawsuit.
Additionally, a new skybridge will be constructed. This structure will connect the Children's Area to the library's third, or middle, tier, allowing for seamless movement between these key sections. Before this change, access was restricted for wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.
Over 100 Barriers Identified
The class-action lawsuit identified more than 100 separate accessibility barriers throughout the building. These ranged from major structural impediments to smaller, but still significant, issues in bathrooms, study areas, and public seating zones.
The settlement also mandates the creation of dedicated spaces for wheelchairs in both the Children's Area and the Rooftop Area. These spaces will include adjacent companion seating, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the library's amenities with friends and family.
A Legal Battle Over Inclusive Design
The legal fight over the Hunters Point Library began in 2019, shortly after its celebrated opening. Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), representing the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY), and an individual plaintiff, Tanya Jackson, filed the lawsuit against the Queens Borough Public Library (QBPL), its board of trustees, and the City of New York.
The core of the complaint was that the new public building failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The lawsuit argued that the design choices effectively excluded a segment of the population from a taxpayer-funded facility.
City Sued Architect for $10 Million
In a related legal action in 2023, the City of New York sued Steven Holl Architects, Steven Holl himself, and a senior partner. The city's lawsuit claimed the architectural firm was responsible for the non-compliant design and sought at least $10 million to cover the estimated costs of the required modifications.
The settlement agreement was reached on February 28, 2025, and received its final judicial approval from Magistrate Judge Steven Tiscione on October 9. While the agreement holds the city and the library responsible, it also incorporates updated construction drawings from Steven Holl Architects that detail the necessary changes.
"My hope is that future architectural planning will prioritize inclusive design, ensuring accessibility for all," plaintiff Tanya Jackson said in a statement following the decision.
"A Monument to Stairs": Years of Criticism
Even before the lawsuit, the library's design drew sharp criticism for its lack of accessibility. Disability advocacy groups famously labeled the building "a monument to stairs," a phrase that highlighted how central the inaccessible elements were to its architectural identity.
This critique was echoed in academic circles. In his book, The Architecture of Disability, author David Gissen argued that buildings like the Hunters Point Library "express their inaccessible elements as central aspects of their formal meaning," which serves to alienate people with disabilities.
For advocacy groups, the settlement is a victory for civil rights and a reminder of the importance of legal protections like the ADA.
"It is crucial to obey the law, the ADA of 1990, when engaging in new construction projects," CIDNY stated. "The ADA ensures that all people must have access to public spaces."
The organization added that the outcome means "a person with a disability can engage in the pleasure of reading, writing, studying, watching movies, participating in community events and much more within their local library." The required renovations are now expected to move forward, transforming the controversial building into a more inclusive public resource for the Queens community.