Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, the 1912-built, 185,000 square foot Saint Louis Public Library opened after $45 million renovation.
Exhibiting the exuberant grandeur typical of the era, the historic library features a monumental entrance above stone steps on Olive Street. Its colossal front arcade is adorned with bas-reliefs. It features rusticated Maine granite, facades, and an interior oval central pavilion surrounded by four light courts.
Upgrading the library’s research and service capabilities, the renovation has restored its classic historic rooms including the Great Hall. Many of the spaces occupied by staff and support functions have been moved off-site, allowing for nearly the entire building to be devoted to public use, new technologies, and collections.
A structurally independent steel skeleton, doubling as bookshelves and floor support, was a notable element incorporated by Gilbert. A three-storey public atrium has been created now to offer an accessible and welcoming entry which includes new spaces such as a 250-seat auditorium, teen rooms, and exhibit area. It also includes a teen lounge adjacent to the library’s new Creative Experience multi-media studio, a Center for the Reader that expands access to new books and popular materials, and new computer technology throughout the facility including interactive “discovery windows” in each public room and wireless Internet access. In total, the project has created more than 40,000 square feet of new public space in the library.
The library’s entrance facing Lucas Park welcomes patrons into a dynamic multi-level contemporary space, which features a café, library shop, meeting rooms, and computer stations.
The renovated Central Library has been designed to serve as a community crossroads, gathering place and commons, enriching the cultural, intellectual, and economic life of the city.
The original building was designed in Beaux Arts style except for the North Wing façade which featured a series of tall slim windows to admit filtered light into a closed stack area.
The AIA / ALA Awards honours excellence in the architectural design and planning of libraries. Earlier in 2013, Central Library also received the Architizer A+ public award, a competition based on more than 135,000 public votes worldwide.
