Support

Top Three Firms Selected for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Renovation

MLK_Library
9th and G St, NW

From DCPL:

“Today the Library selected Mecanoo/Martinez + Johnson Architecture; Patkau Architects/Ayers Saint Gross with Krueck +Sexton; and STUDIOS Architecture/The Freelon Group as the final three architect teams for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library renovation.

The finalists will develop two preliminary design ideas: one of a stand-alone library and one of a mixed-use building with additional floors. Both design ideas are intended to show each team’s vision and approach to renovating the central library. No decisions have been made on the type or extent of the renovations or additions to the library.

“The design ideas and presentations will show the library and the public the capabilities and vision of the finalists,” said Joi Mecks, interim chief librarian for the DC Public Library.  “While the ideas presented may not necessarily be the final concepts used, the overall process will help us pick the best team for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library renovation.”

In early February, the design ideas will be displayed at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, in neighborhood libraries and on the library’s website. In addition, teams will present their design ideas and approach at a public meeting on Saturday, Feb. 15. The teams are expected to:

1.    Explain the design and how it is unique, iconic, functional, welcoming and inviting.

2.    Explain how library services are accommodated and how the design creates dynamic learning environment.

3.    Explain how the design approach preserves the historic nature of the building, especially the first floor and exterior.

4.    Explain how the team will navigate the District and federal government regulation processes.

5.    Explain the design approach for additional floors and separate access to those floors.

Design ideas and presentations will be reviewed by a technical evaluation committee composed of library, urban planning, architecture and preservation experts.  An Advisory Panel also will help the technical evaluation committee assess the finalists. The Advisory Panel will include community representatives, preservation experts, members of the construction industry and select DC agency heads.

In addition to attending the presentation in February, the public has many ways to provide input that will be shared with the final three teams and ultimately the selected firm

  • The MLK Jr. Library Idea Community, dclibrary.ideascale.com, is an online crowdsourcing platform that allows the public to provide input on spaces and services for teens, children, adults, people with disabilities, D.C. history, meetings and more.  Anyone can view public comments, but a person must register in order to post comments.
  • An online survey collects ideas to inform the renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. This survey takes five to seven minutes to complete and can be found at http://bit.ly/ITdOIw.
  • Focus groups are being held with a wide range of residents, including adults, seniors, teens, school-age children, teachers, parents with young children and others. If you are interested in being considered for participation in a focus group, please send an email to [email protected].

The selected architect team will work with library staff and consultants to explore the recommendations outlined by the Urban Land Institute’s assessment in fall 2011. Options in the assessment include renovating the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library as a stand-alone library or as a mixed-use building with additional floors.

For more information on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library renovation, visit http://www.dclibrary.org/mlkfuture

Recent Stories

From an email: “We have an upcoming free yoga weekend event happening at Reunion 4/6-4/7: Join Reunion Hot Yoga in Park View, DC for a free weekend of yoga Saturday…

Thanks to Mandi for sending: “1930 Oldsmobile? That’s just the best guess of someone who knows nothing about cars but faithfully attended the Iola Car Show with her dad every…

Photo by Julian Ortiz Ed. Note: If this was you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. “Dear PoPville, Man in Ovi jersey headed towards…

“Taylor with her duck at a dog park in Old Town.” If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’…

Calling all bookworms, thrill-seekers, supporters of the arts, and ping-pongers at all skill levels! Sign up for Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament supporting 826DC’s youth writing programs.

826DC is a local nonprofit that offers free writing programs, homework help, and publishing opportunities for DC students ages 6-18, in our Columbia Heights writing center and in learning spaces across the city.

Paddlestar Galactica helps keep writing education 100% free and accessible for all of our students! It’s also extremely fun.

This year’s games will be Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC. It’ll be a chaotic afternoon of ping-pong, costumes, terrible Battlestar Galactica puns, and good cheer. We’d love to have you join us!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Vakili Band at Pie Shop!

Three band rock n rolll lineup at DC’s Pie Shop! Vakili Band with “if you know, you know” DC rockers, Lot 18, and the many minds and songs of artist Kind of Christine.

“If you love Vakili Band like we

×

Subscribe to our mailing list