Project Highlights

• Steel-framed vertical addition
• Reuse of  salvaged materials
• LEED Gold certification

Overview

Structural design for this 30,000 square foot project included a vertical addition to the existing one-story structure and renovation of existing spaces. Existing north and east roofs were reconfigured to create the second floor and were replaced with a new, steel-framed roof. The main entrance was moved from the south to the west side and designated by a new canopy, which creates a welcoming portal into the library, as well as protection from sun and inclement weather. New elevators and a grand staircase were also part of the project. Primary structural systems are steel framing with concrete wall, light gauge metal and brick exterior walls, and precast concrete floors. Challenges on this project were those common to any existing building re-use: detailing the structure to join and interact properly with the existing structure, adding load-carrying capability to some of the existing members, and bypassing parts of the existing structure that had inadequate capacity and could not be easily strengthened. The reuse of members salvaged from the existing structure, such as steel beams, contributed to cost savings and the project’s LEED Gold certification.