$35M main library renovation ready for debut, with new views of downtown Columbus

 

 

Never-before-seen views of downtown, a two-story grand reading room and a new "park plaza" are about to make their debut at the Columbus Metropolitan Library's main branch downtown.

 

The $35 million, 16-month renovation project soon will be finished, with a reopening expected June 25th. The project has opened up the marble-encased annex building to provide dramatic views of Topiary Park to the rear and new views of downtown from the front.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/06/20/photo-tour-35m-main-library-renovation-to-debut.html

Links and photo slideshows for the newly renovated Main Library that reopened June 25:

 

- http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/06/19/renovated-main-library-opens-saturday-puts-focus-on-people.html

 

- http://www.dispatch.com/content/sponsored/Huntington/062716_library.html

 

- http://www.dispatch.com/content/slideshows/2016/06/17/main-library-reopens-.html

 

- http://www.columbusunderground.com/newly-renovated-main-library-set-to-open-saturday

 

Exterior Photos:

 

The original 1907 Carnegie front portion with renovated plaza:

 

1991 addition that received new front facing glass wall and new handicapped-accessible entrance:

 

Closer view of the new accessible front entrance:

 

Rear of the renovated Main Library facing the adjoining Topiary Park.  The 1991 addition received new glass walls which overlook a new rear plaza that connects the Main Library with the Topiary Park.  The neighboring building in the background is the historic Deaf School which was recently renovated by the Cristo Rey High School:

 

The new rear plaza between the library and the park.  This plaza re-used much of the marble that was removed from the library facade during the creation of new glass walls visible in the background:

 

Landscaped space between the Main Library and the neighboring Cristo Rey High School.  The Topiary Park and library plaza are partially visible in the background:

 

Overhead view of the new rear library plaza that overlooks Topiary Park:

Interior Photos:

 

Renovated atrium of the 1991 addition next to the original 1907 Carnegie portion.  The formerly exterior wall of the Carnegie portion is visible in the background:

 

Atrium space during the June 25th re-opening with a better view of the Carnegie wall and surrounding balconies:

 

View from a surrounding balcony into the atrium space from an earlier press availability tour:

 

View of the staircase in the atrium during the June 25th re-opening ceremony.  The Aminah Robinson mural, that was on the previous staircase in the previous atrium, has been re-installed on the sides of this new staircase:

 

Close-up of the Aminah Robinson staircase mural from one of the balconies:

 

The other big interior space that was opened up in the 1991 addition during this renovation was this reading room facing the park.  The Topiary Park (and a glimpse of the outdoor plaza facing the park) is visible to the left.  The neighboring Cristo Rey High School is visible to the right:

 

This is looking back from the previous view.  This view shows the stack spaces surrounding the reading room and a glimpse of the atrium space visible in the deep background:

 

And this is a panoramic overview of the reading room space from an upper balcony.  This was taken during the June 25th re-opening ceremony which reconfigured this space as an auditorium for that event:

Timelapse video of the Main Library renovation:

 

 

Main library beats National Veterans Memorial for coveted Recchie Design Award

 

The Columbus Metropolitan Library's main branch has taken the coveted James B. Recchie Design Award.

 

Columbus Landmarks Foundation announced the win at a gathering Thursday night, the 30th award in honor of the group's founding trustee.  The winning design was by the team of Schooley Caldwell and Gund Partnership, with landscape design by MKSK.

 

The $35 million, 16-month renovation and expansion of the 255,400-square foot main library building at 96 S. Grant Avenue wrapped up in 2016.

 

MORE:  https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/10/17/main-library-beats-national-veterans-memorial-for.html

 

Columbus Metropolitan Library plans changes to East Plaza near Topiary Park

 

The Columbus Metropolitan Library spent $35 million to renovate and expand its Main Library Downtown, including a new plaza to connect it with the adjacent Topiary Park.  But what's called the East Plaza hasn't attracted the visitors or become the community space that was envisioned when it was unveiled in 2016, so the library is embarking on plans to remake a portion of the plaza to include space for concerts and events, more trees for shade, and more comfortable seating.

 

The northern part of the plaza has a small raised circular stage and paths, along with concrete benches.  The southern part of the plaza has chairs and tables with umbrellas for visitors.  It's that northern space that really isn't working, said library spokesman Ben Zenitsky.

 

The goals outlined in early concepts presented recently to neighborhood groups include increasing the number of people visiting the plaza when the weather is nice, boosting visitation beyond the lunch hour, engaging the growing residential neighborhood near the library, and creating successful events.  Some ideas include trellises and more trees, more vibrant colors in the plaza itself, moveable planters and tables, and hanging lights. ... None of the concepts are final, Zenitsky said.

 

Rachel Heine, the library's director of development, said the cost to make the changes could ultimately run about $1 million.  Already, Encova Insurance, a neighbor of the Downtown library, has contributed $250,000, and a fund-raising campaign is expected to bring in another $250,000, with the library picking up the rest. ... The timeline is to begin work in early 2022 and complete it by summer 2022. 

 

MORE:  https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/local/2021/05/27/columbus-library-wants-create-outdoor-event-space-topiary-park/7427332002/

Here are some graphics for the CML East Plaza alterations from the July 27, 2021 Downtown Commission: