Renovation of Philadelphia’s first Carnegie Library involved major structural interventions with a sustainable emphasis.
The 1906 Classical Revival library was the first in Philadelphia to feature a glazed terra cotta tile exterior. In 1996, the library was closed and in danger of demolition. An underground stream beneath the building caused frequent flooding that resulted in severe water damage in the basement and on the first floor.
Keast & Hood was engaged to analyze the 12,000-sf building, and found that repair was possible. Primary structural deficiencies related to the water infiltration could be corrected. The solution was to infill the basement and raise the first floor. Subsequent work renovated the circulation, offices, and meeting spaces. Additional renovations included moving the entrance to its original 40th Street location, repairing decay damage to the wood roof trusses, and updating building systems. The project was the first City of Philadelphia project to be registered in the LEED building rating system and was designed to LEED Silver standards.
The project earned a 2004 Grand Jury Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Renovation of Philadelphia’s first Carnegie Library involved major structural interventions with a sustainable emphasis.
The 1906 Classical Revival library was the first in Philadelphia to feature a glazed terra cotta tile exterior. In 1996, the library was closed and in danger of demolition. An underground stream beneath the building caused frequent flooding that resulted in severe water damage in the basement and on the first floor.
Keast & Hood was engaged to analyze the 12,000-sf building, and found that repair was possible. Primary structural deficiencies related to the water infiltration could be corrected. The solution was to infill the basement and raise the first floor. Subsequent work renovated the circulation, offices, and meeting spaces. Additional renovations included moving the entrance to its original 40th Street location, repairing decay damage to the wood roof trusses, and updating building systems. The project was the first City of Philadelphia project to be registered in the LEED building rating system and was designed to LEED Silver standards.
The project earned a 2004 Grand Jury Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
CLIENT: Buell Kratzer Powell
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
TYPE: Cultural, Historic, Library, SERVICES: Damage Assessment, Historic Preservation, Renovation, Restoration, MATERIALS: Heavy Timber, Masonry, Wood, SUSTAINABILITY: LEED, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Completed project photography © Matt Wargo
