The largest public library renovation in Rhode Island’s history was celebrated earlier this month when the Providence Public Library (PPL) posted a 23-minute-long video that served as a virtual ribbon cutting, followed a few days later by a grand opening gala.
The 18-month-long, $29 million renovation transformed 84,000 sf inside a library wing that was built in 1953. (The library itself opened in 1878.) The project converted the building’s Empire Street entrance into a three-story atrium, which has been opened since July. (The library itself was open all summer.) Glass replaced interior walls to create an open and light-filled concept. The renovation added a 2,500-sf workshop/maker space. The wing’s 255-seat auditorium was decked out with a new light and sound system. Space specifically for teen interaction and for digital collections was included.
Also see: The virtual ribbon cutting
The renovation was completed in line with PPL’s ongoing THINK AGAIN Capital Campaign for transforming the library in response to the changing needs of its community. “These renovations are a game-changer for everyone visiting and using our beloved library,” says Jack Martin, PPL’s Executive Director. “Through this complete transformation, we now have a beautiful and welcoming facility that fully complements our free cultural, educational, and career development programs and services, while also enabling our many community partners to utilize our spaces and resources like never before.”
A three-story atrium is the library wing's new centerpiece.
OPENING DRAWS PRAISE
The ribbon cutting video—created by Eleven Design—featured encomiums from state and federal dignitaries, including Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (for whom an “information commons” in the renovated wing is named), Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, and Crosby Kemper, director of the federal Institute of Museum & Library Services.
designLAB Architects (dLAB) was the design architect on this project, whose other Building Team members included Bond Building Construction (GC), Ed Wojcik Architects, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (engineering), Fisher Dachs Associates, AWA Lighting Designers, KVA Associates, Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering, Structures Workshop, The Queastor Group, and Wil-Spec.
The renovation adds more space for collaboration, teen socializing, and even quiet.
The library’s furniture and fixtures were provided by Casewerks, Steelcase, AIS, The Steel Yard, and W. B. Mason. Wayfinding is provided by Graphic Innovations, Malcolm Grear Designers, and Orion.
The renovation’s funding includes just under $9 million from the state, and private donations that include $1 million from Roselyn Sinclair and $750,000 from the Champlin Foundation.
Related Stories
| Jul 2, 2013
LEED v4 gets green light, will launch this fall
The U.S. Green Building Council membership has voted to adopt LEED v4, the next update to the world’s premier green building rating system.
| Jul 1, 2013
Report: Global construction market to reach $15 trillion by 2025
A new report released today forecasts the volume of construction output will grow by more than 70% to $15 trillion worldwide by 2025.
| Jun 28, 2013
Building owners cite BIM/VDC as 'most exciting trend' in facilities management, says Mortenson report
A recent survey of more than 60 building owners and facility management professionals by Mortenson Construction shows that BIM/VDC is top of mind among owner professionals.
| Jun 17, 2013
DOE launches database on energy performance of 60,000 buildings
The Energy Department today launched a new Buildings Performance Database, the largest free, publicly available database of residential and commercial building energy performance information.
| Jun 7, 2013
First look: Austin breaks ground on 'light-filled' Central Library
The design scheme by Lake|Flato and Shepley Bulfinch incorporates reading "porches" and a light-filled, six-story atrium.
| Jun 5, 2013
USGBC: Free LEED certification for projects in new markets
In an effort to accelerate sustainable development around the world, the U.S. Green Building Council is offering free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in the 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root.
| Jun 3, 2013
Construction spending inches upward in April
The U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that construction spending during April 2013 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $860.8 billion, 0.4 percent above the revised March estimate of $857.7 billion.
| May 29, 2013
6 award-winning library projects
The Anacostia Neighborhood Library in Washington, D.C., and the renovation of Cass Gilbert’s grand Beaux-Arts library in St. Louis are among six projects to be named 2013 AIA/ALA Library Building Award winners.
| May 21, 2013
7 tile trends for 2013: Touch-sensitive glazes, metallic tones among top styles
Tile of Spain consultant and ceramic tile expert Ryan Fasan presented his "What's Trending in Tile" roundup at the Coverings 2013 show in Atlanta earlier this month. Here's an overview of Fasan's emerging tile trends for 2013.
| Apr 30, 2013
Tips for designing with fire rated glass - AIA/CES course
Kate Steel of Steel Consulting Services offers tips and advice for choosing the correct code-compliant glazing product for every fire-rated application. This BD+C University class is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
