Library Preservation and Renovation

The consultant team of SWBR and Tappé Associates focused on preserving the exterior and significant interior spaces of the existing three-story, 13,400 SF library building and provided a three-story 11,700 SF addition. In previous attempts to renovate the library, various steel and wood structural reinforcement had been added to support the sagging floor and roof structures.

The new structure provided a large, open space at the previously unused upper level. This level is now used for the Children’s Room and related youth activities. The exterior brick and stone base had structural and cosmetic repairs and original windows were retained and restored. The original entrance foyer with its curved, wood-railed staircases remained essentially untouched.

NYS SHPO was contacted early in the process and participated as an active player in conceptual design as well as final document review. SWBR solved the client’s need to provide a modern, efficient library space while preserving the historic elements of the United States’ oldest public library.