Albuquerque Main Library Renovation
Owner:
City of Albuquerque
Date of Completion:
August 2006
Building Area:
15,227 gross square feet
Builder's Name:
Longhorn Construction Services, Inc.
When the Albuquerque Public Library opened on March 8, 1975, it exhibited the two major design goals of its designer, George Pearl. Pearl sought to accomplish two goals. The first was to design a building that was modern, and at the same time evoked the strength and massing of a New Mexico structure; and the second was to provide the maximum flexibility on the interior for the unanticipated changes that would undoubtedly come in the practice of public library service.
Our intentions for the new addition sought to maintain the original design with the respect one would have for a building on the National Register of Historic Places; to focus the public entry to the southeast and give that entry more public presence; to update the building to recent codes; and to realize the original intentions for street trees and other landscaping.
The new entry addition to the Main Library addressed a number of code compliance issues regarding exiting requirements and handicapped accessibility. The new “greenhouse” entry defines the major entry while respecting the original architecture of the building. It also provides a retail space to be leased to produce revenue for the library system. As part of the project, changes were made to interior surfaces and furniture.
and Coffee Shop
Owner:
City of Albuquerque
Date of Completion:
May 2010
Building Area:
1,319 gross square feet
Builder's Name:
Anchorbuilt, Inc.
As part of the previous library remodeling project, a vacant space with a separate entrance was created with a coffee shop in mind. An RFP was released asking for potential vendors to lease the space. The winning vendor, The Coffee Connection, worked with Cherry/See/Reames Architects (CSR) during design so that all the necessary food service components could fit into the space. The Library offered the reuse of the concave counter salvaged and recycled from the South Broadway library. Since the renovation, the vendor has changed and it is now functioning as a restaurant.
