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Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

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Project Details
Holyoke Public Library
Designed by James Clough as a gift in honor of his daughters, the Holyoke Public Library was built in 1902 and is situated in an historic park. A lack of funds, the passage of time and faulty drainage made 40 percent of the interior unusable by the time the library began renovations. The library worked with the Finegold Alexander Architects to create a design that preserved the functioning sections of the historic building, selectively demolished an inaccessible stack wing, and added a larger, compatible addition.
The renovation and addition reflects a significant understanding of how a public library functions in today’s society. The new addition and historic renovation of the original library were successfully combined to create a spirited sense of spaces, relegating neither new or old to a subordinate position. The project required bi-lingual presentations to community members, historic and planning commissions and has received the approval of the Board of Library Commissioners. Constructed on time and under budget, this project achieved LEED Silver Certification. Careful research, attention to detail, and experienced personnel enabled the great success of balancing historic significance with current needs.
The library now has 40,000 square feet of space in which to provide services to patrons. Many of the historic features were preserved, including interior murals, and the library now meets Americans with Disabilities Act mandates.
The renovation and addition reflects a significant understanding of how a public library functions in today’s society. The new addition and historic renovation of the original library were successfully combined to create a spirited sense of spaces, relegating neither new or old to a subordinate position. The project required bi-lingual presentations to community members, historic and planning commissions and has received the approval of the Board of Library Commissioners. Constructed on time and under budget, this project achieved LEED Silver Certification. Careful research, attention to detail, and experienced personnel enabled the great success of balancing historic significance with current needs.
The library now has 40,000 square feet of space in which to provide services to patrons. Many of the historic features were preserved, including interior murals, and the library now meets Americans with Disabilities Act mandates.
Size
40,000 sf
Cost
$11.9 million
Status
Completed
- Contractor: Fontaine Brothers Preservation Consultant: Building Conservation Associates Structural Engineer: Boston Building Consultants MEP/FP Engineer: BLW Engineers Civil Engineer: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Landscape Architect: Marc Mazzarelli Associates Interiors: Stefura Associates Cost Consultant: Seamus Fennessy (previously with Davis Langdon) Sustainable Design Consultant: The Green Engineer
2015 Preservation Massachusetts, Paul E. Tsongas Award
2013 Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, Excellence in Community Development Award
2013 Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, Excellence in Community Development Award