PROJECT Wheaton Library + Community Recreation Center

LOCATION  Silver Spring, Maryland US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  9/8/2019

ARCHITECT  Grimm + Parker Architects

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT/DESIGNER  

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Melanie Hennigan, Susan Hains, Amy Upton, Antonio Rebelo, Julia Crawford

OWNER/CLIENT Montgomery County Department of General Services

CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Costello Construction

PHOTOGRAPHER  Sam Kittner

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Norton Land Design
CIVIL ENGINEER Adtek Engineers
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Columbia Engineering Inc.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER Gipe Associates
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Gipe Associates
CONSULTANT Sustainable Design Consulting
CONSULTANT Nyikos Associates
CONSULTANT Annapolis Landscape Architects
CONSULTANT Kibart
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  

How does a twenty-first century building engage a diverse population in a meaningful way and provide robust amenities for a County with a shortage of available land to build on? By creatively co-locating “reading, recreation, and parking” under one roof. Wheaton, designated an Arts and Entertainment District, is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Maryland!

The project challenge was to deliver a new state-of-the-art facility to help solve the inequities of outdated facilities and, more importantly, help create a community hub that fosters inclusion, equity and diversity. The solution shaped itself into the co-location of a library, a recreation center, a used bookstore, a café and underground parking under one roof - leaving green areas for outdoor recreation. A first in Montgomery County, the 92,000 sf multi-use facility offers a variety of services in one location. The building celebrates the multi-cultural community using vivid colored panels, reminiscent of African, Hispanic and Caribbean art and the “melting pot” that is Wheaton.
 

JURY COMMENTS (If Applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project/Jury PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)

1. Whether commuting from work or taking a walk, neighbors can look through the glassy facades into the activities inside changing constantly throughout the day. Sam Kittner
2. Exterior view looking into gymnasium. Sam Kittner
3. Grand Lobby. Sam Kittner

4. Front Entry. Sam Kittner
5. Children's Area. Sam Kittner
6. Gymnasium with running track. Sam Kittner
7. Main Reading Area. Sam Kittner
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