2. Northeast Library Renovation
The Northeast Neighborhood Library is being renovated. The following slides are
floor plans and exterior renderings. There are two aspects where we are considering
multiple options and would like your feedback.
• Location of Children and Adult areas
• Rear addition that accommodates the new staircase
The architect presented Proposed Plan A at a meeting of the Friends of the
Northeast Library on March 19. Based on community feedback at that meeting, the
architect developed a second plan (Proposed Plan B).
Plans that include the rear addition will be presented at the Friends meeting on April
23 at 7:30 p.m., at the Northeast Library.
Updated 4-20-2012
3. Historic Zones
In assessing the Northeast Library from a historic restoration viewpoint,
the architects identified three distinct preservation zones.
• The Restoration Zone – The highest level of protection is applied to
the primary public spaces that contain significant historic features.
The goal for these areas is to preserve permanent features of the
building such as trim, plasterwork and built-in woodwork as well as
replacing elements such as lighting and flooring that are appropriate
to the historic period.
• The Rehabilitation Zone – Secondary public spaces or spaces that
contain less historic integrity may be altered with the goal of
preserving individual elements that convey the history of the
building, while making these spaces more compatible with modern
use.
• The Renovation Zone – Spaces with few significant historic
features, including back-of-house spaces, restrooms and
mechanical areas, is allowed with minimal restrictions.
Updated 4-20-2012
4. The entire lower level of the library is designated as a renovation zone, meaning the space
has few significant historical features. The proposed lower level floor plan features a large
meeting room as well as a conference room and workspace for the Friends of the Library.
Staff spaces include offices, work room and staff restrooms. Public restrooms are also on
this level, convenient to the large meeting room. The lower level floor plan is identical in
Plan A and Plan B.
5. First Floor
Both proposed plans (next two slides) have the front entrance moving to the
current emergency exit, opening up the lobby area to create a single entry
experience for customers whether they enter through the front or the accessible
entrance on the rear of the building. The rear entrance is enhanced, adding a
vestibule and stairwell above the garage. By extending the length of the ramp,
the angle can be reduced, making it easier for customers in wheelchairs or
parents with strollers to gain access.
New materials and Sight & Sound (DVDs, audio books) are located close to the
check out area allowing customers to quickly grab these high-demand items
and be on their way.
Updated 4-20-2012
6. Proposed Plan A First Floor
Rehabilitation Zone
Renovation Zone New accessible entrance
and stairwell
Restoration Zone
Restoration Zone
Restoration Zone
First Floor Updated 4-20-2012
7. Proposed Plan B First Floor
New accessible entrance and
stairwell
Rehabiilitation Zone
Restoration Zone
Renovation Zone
Restoration Zone Restoration Zone
Updated 4-20-2012
8. Proposed Plan A Second Floor
Renovation
Zone
Renovation Zone
Restoration Zone
Rehabilitation
Zone Rehabilitation
Zone
An elevator and a staircase lead to the adult reading room on the second level, and a
separate teen space. A centrally located information desk has good views of both areas.
Four glass-walled study rooms that accommodate up to two people line the room.
Restrooms are adjacent to the info desk.
Second Floor Updated 4-20-2012
9. Proposed Plan B Second Floor
Renovation Zone
Restoration Zone
Renovation Zone
Rehabilitation Zone
Rehabilitation Zone
An elevator and staircase lead to the children’s reading room, and a separate teen
space on the second level. A centrally located information desk has views into both
areas. Restrooms are adjacent to the info desk. There is a single-stall restroom for
children only in the children’s area.
Updated 4-20-2012
10. Pros & Cons of Proposed Plan A
The main difference between Plan A and Plan B is the location of the children’s area and the adult
area. In Plan A, the children’s area is on the first floor and the adult area is on the second floor along
with a teen space. Plan B puts the children’s area on the second floor and the adult area on the first.
Here are the pros and cons for each.
Pros -- Plan A Cons -- Plan A
Strollers do not need to go up the elevator. Some customers feel children will be safer on
the 2nd Floor, away from the building entrance.
Low ceiling height under mezzanine is better Some parents are not comfortable leaving their
suited for young children. children unattended on the 1st floor while the
parent visits the adult area upstairs.
Teens are closer to adult materials, which they
use, and creates separation between children
and teens.
Teens are closer to quiet study rooms.
Area is one level closer to the large room,
which is used for story times.
Updated 4-20-2012
11. Pros and Cons Plan B
Pros – Plan B Cons – Plan B
Some customers feel children will be safer on the Strollers need to go up the elevator.
2nd floor away from the building entrance.
Some parents prefer to have children’s on 2nd Low ceiling under mezzanine is not suitable for
floor so their children can use the area adults except for the study rooms.
unattended while the parent visits the adult
collection of the 1st floor.
Reduces adult space by 10%.
Puts teens in close proximity to children, which is
not always ideal.
Puts teens farther from study rooms and adult
materials.
Large room, which is used for story times, is two
floors away from children’s area.
Updated 4-20-2012
12. The proposed plan for the mezzanine level converts it into a conference room, which can
accommodate groups of up to 12 people as well as a staff area, which can be used for sorting,
processing and storing materials. The mezzanine floor plan is identical in Plan A and Plan B.
Rehabilitation Zone
Renovation Zone
Updated 4-20-2012
13. The attic houses much of the mechanical systems including duct work, air handlers and the
elevator housing. The mechanical systems will be energy efficient to help meet the LEED
Certification requirement. The design team explored the possibility of capturing space in the attic
for library service, but determined that adding flooring, and extending the stairwell and elevator
to the attic would be cost prohibitive. The attic floor plan is identical in Plan A and Plan B.
Updated 4-20-2012
14. Northeast Library Renovation
Rear Addition Options
There are two options for the rear addition that accommodates the new
staircase. The size and pattern of the glass panels are different in the two
options. We would like your feedback on which glass pattern you prefer.
The following slides compare the two options from different angles on the
outside of the building. Option 1 shows small glass panels. Option 2 shows
large glass panels.
• Rendering – Southwest View
• Rendering – Northwest View
• Elevation – South View
All mechanical equipment is housed on the roof.
