Some may view the conversion of a historic Washington, D.C. library into an Apple store as a sign of the end of times; exchanging knowledge for shiny new Apple products. But in reality, it isn’t quite that bad.
The Carnegie Library, originally funded by Andrew Carnegie and first opened in 1903, was Washington, D.C.’s first public library (and the city’s first desegregated public building) and remained in service until 1970. Soon after, the Beaux-Arts style building fell into a period of neglect until Foster + Partners, Beyer Blinder Belle, and Apple decided to restore the building to its previous luster.
The two companies worked with conservation experts to preserve the historic facades, return the interior spaces to their original footprints, and restore distinctive early 20th century detailing. An urban route through the building was created with entrances on both sides of the north-south axis. The original, southern entrance to the building is fronted by a grand public plaza that will host public concerts and events.
See Also: 18 Carbon fiber wings grace Foster + Partners-designed Apple Dubai Mall terrace
Inside, the building’s heart has been transformed into a double-height space that is capped with a new skylight to bring light deep into the interior spaces. This is where the Forum forms the creative hub of the building; a place where experts from various fields will host free talks, performances, and workshops for the public, viewable from two levels.
A grand staircase leads up to the DC History Center on the second floor, and down to the Carnegie Gallery, which displays historic photographs and documents about the origins and history of the building, in the basement. The upper levels of the building will continue to be occupied by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
The palette of materials used was chosen to suit the historic surroundings and was inspired by the unique early 20th century detailing of the building. “The materiality and detailing of the historic facades and interior spaces have been carefully preserved, working closely with the Nation Trust for Historic Preservation and other conservation experts,” said Stefan Behling, head of Studio, Foster + Partners, in a release.
Apple Carnegie Library opened on Saturday, May 11. For the following six weeks, a StoryMaker festival will bring 40 artists, poets, activists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, lawmakers, and community builders to tell their stories inside the renovated building.
Related Stories
| Dec 27, 2011
Ground broken for adaptive reuse project
Located on the Garden State Parkway, the master-planned project initially includes the conversion of a 114-year-old, 365,000-square-foot, six-story warehouse building into 361 loft-style apartments, and the creation of a three-level parking facility.
| Dec 27, 2011
Suffolk Construction celebrates raising of Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum cupola
Topping off ceremony held on 238th Anniversary of Boston Tea Party.
| Dec 21, 2011
Hoboken Terminal restoration complete
Restoration of ferry slips, expanded service to benefit commuters.
| Dec 20, 2011
Aragon Construction leading build-out of foursquare office
The modern, minimalist build-out will have elements of the foursquare “badges” in different aspects of the space, using glass, steel, and vibrantly painted gypsum board.
| Dec 19, 2011
HGA renovates Rowing Center at Cornell University
Renovation provides state-of-the-art waterfront facility.
| Dec 19, 2011
Summit Design+Build selected as GC for Chicago recon project
The 130,000 square foot building is being completely renovated.
| Dec 12, 2011
Skanska to expand and renovate hospital in Georgia for $103 Million
The expansion includes a four-story, 17,500 square meters clinical services building and a five-story, 15,700 square meters, medical office building. Skanska will also renovate the main hospital.
