Groundbreaking for Sherborn Library Renovation and Expansion Project

Beacon Architectural Associates (BAA) is excited to announce that our client the Sherborn Library will break ground on the library’s renovation and expansion project at 11 AM, Jan 28th, 2017. Peter C. Byerly, Principal at BAA, will be present at the groundbreaking ceremony along with the general contractor, owner’s project manager and Adams & Smith Architects. Other groups invited include Commissioner Roland Ochsenbein and Library Building Specialist Rosemary Waltos from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), state and local officials, members of the Library Building Committee, the Library Board of Trustees, Sherborn Library staff, Sherborn residents and community leaders.

The library has settled into its temporary home across Sanger Street at the Sherborn Community Center, where it will remain during the construction phase. The renovated and expanded library is expected to be complete and ready to re-open in late December 2017 or early January 2018.

BAA, in association with Adams & Smith, developed the design and construction documents for this project. Five Star Building Corp is the contractor. Design Technique is owner’s project manager, overseeing the construction.

More information on the project:

To update the Sherborn Library for the modern era, the project involves renovating 17,000 SF of the original library and adding a 9,000 SF new wing to the south of the existing building, located in the dramatic landscape of the Sherborn Center Historic District, Sherborn, Mass. The library is one of three municipal buildings on the campus, the others being the Police/Safety building and the Town Hall. Parking and some utilities are shared by all three buildings.

The renovation work will provide new finishes, windows, lighting, furnishings, fire protection, electrical and mechanical systems to the three levels of the existing library building. The renovated library will be completely accessible and house updated and quieter adult reading areas on the main level, young adult area on the second-floor level as well as administration space on all three levels.

The new wing will have two levels, aligning with the existing library levels. The lower level will feature a multipurpose room, conference area, and an art gallery, all to provide space for library programs and community meetings. The main level will house the new Children’s Room with clear glass walls that allow views from both inside and outside, exterior terraces as well as a special program room called “Nora’s Tree House”.

A generous stair will connect the main and lower levels of the library, and a new elevator along with additional stairs will provide access to all three levels. The main entrance of the library will remain on the main level. In addition, a new lower level entrance will provide off-hour access to the meeting facilities and an accessible path to the municipal parking areas.

BAA’s team looked to the modern configuration of the original building using its water-struck red brick as a design basis for the new addition, which is articulated to blend the scale of old and new, recalling the brick and adding wood panels and details. On the library entrance side, a much-loved vista of an enormous beech tree will remain intact for future generations to enjoy. From the Sanger Street side, Nora’s Tree House in the new children’s wing appears to float in the treetops over the rocky, sloping landscape.

Incorporating new technologies and being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the total 26,000 SF new and improved facility will accommodate the contemporary needs of all its users, from toddlers to senior citizens. “These new additions will allow the library to be relevant and useful for the entire community for the next 40 years,” said Mary Moore, Chairwoman of the Library Board of Trustees.

The present under-sized children’s room has been an issue for the library since the original building was built 40 years’ ago. “As the centerpiece of the project, the new children’s area will provide a distinct space for young learners to acquire hands-on skills, and the young adult study space will allow for individual study and supply collaborative space,” said Elizabeth Johnston, Director of Sherborn Library. “With the inclusion of an exterior, viewable educational garden, these concepts express the original design of this building that unites indoor and outdoor experiences in a new layout that supports technology, collections, community gatherings and active use that were not present in 1970. But, our overarching vision is to preserve the intergenerational quality of the space.”

“The original 1970’s building is a fine example of Modern library design. Over the years, the contemporary library’s programs and needs have outgrown that 40-year-old building. We took our design cues from the existing building to create a complimentary addition that would house the 21st century’s evolving library functions in an appropriate structure,” said Peter C. Byerly, Principal at BAA.

About BAA

Beacon Architectural Associates(BAA) is a mid-sized architecture, design, and planning firm located in Boston, Mass. Originally founded in 1963, Beacon has evolved and expanded over 50 years to serve clients in a wide range of academic, civic, recreational, commercial, retail, hospitality and healthcare projects. We are an engaging and high-energy group of architects and designers known for shaping responsible yet inspired spaces. We take great pride in developing solutions that not only meet the parameters set forth by our clients but also balance aesthetics, performance, and cost. Our expertise and size allow us to offer customized service during all phases of planning and construction to ensure that all objectives are met.
For more information, please visit www.beaconarch.com or Twitter @BeaconArch.