PROJECT Elkridge Branch + DIY Education Center

LOCATION  Elkridge, Maryland US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  3/9/2018

ARCHITECT  Grimm + Parker Architects

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT/DESIGNER  

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Melanie Hennigan, David Oakes, Rick Morrison, Julia Crawford, Antonio Rebelo, Kari Mackey

OWNER/CLIENT Howard County Library System

CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Costello Construction

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Bradley Site Design

PHOTOGRAPHER  Sam Kittner

CIVIL ENGINEER Pennoni Associates
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Columbia Engineering, Inc.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER Gipe Associates
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Gipe Associates
CONSULTANT Forella Group, Cost Estimating, 5180 Parkstone Drive, Suite 250, Chantilly, VA 20151, 703-560-2200, Peter@forellagroup.com
CONSULTANT Sustainable Design Consulting, LEED Consulting, 1611 Connecticut Ave, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009, 202-667-1620, avneet@sustaindesign.net
CONSULTANT Geotech Engineers, Geotechnical Engineer, 11890-U Old Baltimore Pike, Beltsville, MD 20705, 301-937-9227, paulchung@geotechengineersinc.com
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  

Nestled within a new lush landscape, Howard County's latest civic building is the epitome of a structure truly dedicated to public service. Designed to enhance the three pillars of Howard County Library Systems' educational mission of: Self-directed Education, Research Assistance + Instruction, and Instructive + Enlightening Experiences, the renovated center boasts large and open contemporary space for patrons at every stage of life to enjoy.

The design for the new facility included demolishing 17,000 sf of existing building interior walls, some exterior walls, roofing and roof insulation. The existing building remained largely in place as well as the columns and roof structure. Additionally, the finished floor elevation was set by the existing building slab on grade. The existing shell was completely renovated along with a new 28,000 sf addition.

The day starts early in the 50+ Senior Activity Center. Packed with programming, this accessible space serves as a venue for active adults to interact and make new connections with those in their community. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as fitness and wellness classes, nutritional counseling, and caregiver support services.

Next door lives a bright and active library which embraces the natural history of Elkridge. Immediately upon entry, library-goers will find respite in the Spiny DogFish Cafe, where patrons can fuel up on coffee, an array of beverages, and snacks.

This vibrant aquamarine theme, which pays homage to Maryland's Patapsco River, follows visitors as they navigate the library's open and lofty floorplan complete with built-in bubble walls reminiscent of riverbed pebbles, and coral themed murals throughout the main stacks, into the Teen Area, and finally making a big splash in the Children's Reef. Anchored by a colorful glass storefront, the Reef is popular among kids for both story time and free play.

A curved stone wall, representative of Elkridge's historic stone structures and mills, leads to the most unique aspect of the new library's expanded collection, the DIY Education Center. This tool lending library is the most extensive of its kind in the state of Maryland. Crafters can take a class or borrow an array of tools, including building, baking, and gardening equipment.

The overwhelmingly warm embrace of this new community space strongly demonstrates that if you build it, they will come.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project/Jury PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)

1. Exterior, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
2. Exterior, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
3. Circulation Desk/Main Stacks, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com

4. Entrance Lobby, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
5. Children's Area, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
6. DIY Tool Lending Library, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
7. 50+ Senior Activity Center, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
8. Boardwalk Trail - Exterior, Sam Kittner/Kittner.com