M e r r i l l , W I
size: 29,868 S.F. cost: $3,663,133 completion: 2001
 Carnegie before |
The T.B. Scott Public Library has stood on its site near the Prairie River since the early 1900's. The building was a community icon that was overcrowded, and was a multi-level facility that did not provide handicapped accessibility to the Carnegie wing. FGMarch rectified these issues by aligning the new and old levels and more than doubling their available space for collections. |
 From river |
The Entrance Level of the library has a glass "gazebo" that serves as a coffee and reading area adjacent to the circulation desk. As one enters further, a skylit, three story stairwell atrium greets patrons near a new elevator shaft that provides accessibility to all levels for both staff and patrons. The contrast of old and new is apparent in this space, as the Carnegie building is exposed and restored within the open space of the addition. The First Level houses the Children's Library and Adult browsing collections, on the same elevation as the upper level of the Carnegie Building. The Carnegie building has been restored and updated to house a cozy reading room, new books, and Audio Visual materials. Part of the challenge of this project was the intersection between the Carnegie Building and the new addition. The complex geometry of the two buildings became a difficult situation to deal with. Preserving the identity of the historic details while providing for the most flexible layout and the most effective barriers for climate control proved a delicate task. |
The Second Level of the library houses the adult collection, and administration. On this level there is a main seating area that is almost thirty feet high and is spanned by vaulted, custom trusses. The long seating area culminates in a tall window bay that looks out over the river towards a historic pedestrian bridge. |
 restored Carnegie reading room |
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