Renovation of Special Collections Library
Owner:
City of Albuquerque
Date of Completion:
August 2012
Building Area:
15,355 gross square feet
Builder's Name:
Crown Builders / JB Henderson
At the “Old Main” library building, now the Special Collections Library, which houses southwest and Albuquerque research collections, Cherry/See/Reames Architects enhanced the interior finishes in the public reading room with cork flooring for better acoustics. A fresh coat of paint to recapture the building’s opening days, and new floor lamps to provide more lighting were provided. The community room, Botts Hall, was in need of major acoustic treatments, which we were able to conceal behind the large historic tapestries that hung on the walls. Our work also extended to the refurbishing of the furniture and art.
The remodeling efforts included some thermal improvements, as well as power, data, and fire alarm upgrades to meet current codes and library functions. Aesthetic updates were made to the interior and exterior finishes as well. We refurbished the historic windows and doors and added a new service desk. One of three existing HVAC systems was completely redesigned and replaced in this project as an Owner-requested Change Order. The City also wished for a more water efficient landscape design that was both respectful of the building and the neighborhood. The landscape had to fit into the surrounding historic context and be xeric enough to save on water usage and maintenance.
As with many of our projects, City and community involvement were important to the success of the project. We worked closely with the Albuquerque Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the City Planning Department.
