Project

Greek Revival Library, Renewed

Community engagement creates a new landmark library for all

All
In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
Civic
Cultural
Development
Higher Ed
K-12

Holyoke Public Library

City of Holyoke
Holyoke, Massachusetts

Holyoke’s beautiful and historic Greek Revival library had served many generations, but lacked sufficient scale, functionality and accessibility for the community. To extend the life of this valued member of the community, Finegold Alexander engaged in an extensive community process - resulting in a design for a striking, transparent addition joined to a revitalized historic center by an open stair symbolizing the library’s welcoming and accessible transformation.

‍

(Photo credit: exterior of addition, yellow chair shot, hallway shot, interior shot of stairs with ceiling glass - Neil Alexander Photography; exterior of existing building, remaining interiors - Bob O'Connor)

Size
40,515 SF
Scope
Renovation, Addition
Program
Stacks, Reading Areas, Media Space, Community Rooms
Sustainability
LEED Silver
Awards
2013 Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, Excellence in Community Development Award
2015 Preservation Massachusetts, Paul E. Tsongas Award
In the news
No items found.
Project EUI
Modern glass and stone addition blends to the historic library in the right of the frame at dusk.
Angled view of the historic Greek Revival facade of the Holyoke Public Library.
No items found.
“We have fused together our history and our future in one building.”‍
Aaron M. Vega, State Representative from Holyoke

‍

Historic double-height atrium of the Holyoke Public Library with yellow seating in the foreground and carrels in the background.
Person descending modern class stairs into a light-filled addition.
No items found.

Vertical circulation is always a challenge when working with historic buildings. Finegold Alexander created a new circulation core that carries people efficiently through the entire building, connecting three existing levels with three new interspersed levels.

The sleek wooden and glass stairway connects the existing library building with the new addition.
Library desks with white lamps in front of historic Holyoke mural.
Angled second-floor view onto renovated library atrium with staircase to modern addition in the background.
Cylindrical lights hanging over wooden desks in front of open stone doorways and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Symmetrical view of the stairway from a landing, looking down.
No items found.
"Libraries such as Holyoke play an important role in communities, especially during a time of economic recovery. They serve as community centers, providing free access to resources and information, computers for job-hunters, and affordable entertainment for those with restricted budgets."
Laura Vowell, Vice President at US Bancorp Community Development Corporation

‍

You may also like this
view other project categories
In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
Civic
Cultural
Higher Ed
K-12
Development