Some may view the conversion of a historic Washington, D.C. library into an Apple store as a sign of the end of times; exchanging knowledge for shiny new Apple products. But in reality, it isn’t quite that bad.
The Carnegie Library, originally funded by Andrew Carnegie and first opened in 1903, was Washington, D.C.’s first public library (and the city’s first desegregated public building) and remained in service until 1970. Soon after, the Beaux-Arts style building fell into a period of neglect until Foster + Partners, Beyer Blinder Belle, and Apple decided to restore the building to its previous luster.
The two companies worked with conservation experts to preserve the historic facades, return the interior spaces to their original footprints, and restore distinctive early 20th century detailing. An urban route through the building was created with entrances on both sides of the north-south axis. The original, southern entrance to the building is fronted by a grand public plaza that will host public concerts and events.
See Also: 18 Carbon fiber wings grace Foster + Partners-designed Apple Dubai Mall terrace
Inside, the building’s heart has been transformed into a double-height space that is capped with a new skylight to bring light deep into the interior spaces. This is where the Forum forms the creative hub of the building; a place where experts from various fields will host free talks, performances, and workshops for the public, viewable from two levels.
A grand staircase leads up to the DC History Center on the second floor, and down to the Carnegie Gallery, which displays historic photographs and documents about the origins and history of the building, in the basement. The upper levels of the building will continue to be occupied by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
The palette of materials used was chosen to suit the historic surroundings and was inspired by the unique early 20th century detailing of the building. “The materiality and detailing of the historic facades and interior spaces have been carefully preserved, working closely with the Nation Trust for Historic Preservation and other conservation experts,” said Stefan Behling, head of Studio, Foster + Partners, in a release.
Apple Carnegie Library opened on Saturday, May 11. For the following six weeks, a StoryMaker festival will bring 40 artists, poets, activists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, lawmakers, and community builders to tell their stories inside the renovated building.
Related Stories
| May 25, 2011
Register today for BD+C’s June 8th webinar on restoration and reconstruction projects
Based on new and award-winning building projects, this webinar presents our “expert faculty” to examine the key issues affecting project owners, designers and contractors in case studies ranging from gut renovations and adaptive reuses to restorations and retrofits.
| May 18, 2011
Lab personnel find comfort in former Winchester gun factory
The former Winchester Repeating Arms Factory in New Haven, Conn., is the new home of PepsiCo’s Biology Innovation Research Laboratory.
| May 18, 2011
Improvements add to Detroit convention center’s appeal
Interior and exterior renovations and updates will make the Detroit Cobo Center more appealing to conventioneers. A new 40,000-sf ballroom will take advantage of the center’s riverfront location, with views of the river and downtown.
| May 18, 2011
Carnegie Hall vaults into the 21st century with a $200 million renovation
Historic Carnegie Hall in New York City is in the midst of a major $200 million renovation that will bring the building up to contemporary standards, increase educational and backstage space, and target LEED Silver.
