Providence Public Library Empire Street Transformation

Project Details

Project Description

Providence Public Library (PPL) recently completed the state’s largest-ever library renovation to its 1950s Art Moderne wing. The project addressed required life safety systems upgrades and major infrastructure improvements, from introducing fresh air, to implementing a robust network of power, data and lighting. The approximately 85,000 SF project included expanded community learning venues with state-of-the-art, flexible meeting, classroom and exhibition spaces, as well as increased user-centric, quiet-study spaces. There is also a dedicated teen loft, expanded children’s library, and overhauled 300-seat auditorium. The special collections suite has been relocated and properly climate-controlled with new public research, and digital scanning facilities. As an important public institution for the city, the library remained open throughout construction.

In addition to the Library’s physical changes, its leadership has stressed the importance of expanding the Library’s presence. PPL’s director views the Library as “the City’s best partner,” alongside other organizations and institutions in Rhode Island’s “Creative Capital.” With this in mind, the plans for the project include the creation of a suite for a retail partner; revenues from this venture will go directly to public programming.

designLAB’s collaboration with PPL extends back to 2012, when our studio led the extensive renovations to the Library’s original wing, built by Stone, Carpenter and Wilson between 1898 and 1900. This project repositioned underutilized reading rooms and library stacks as great architectural assets to be shared in new ways with the community. In a venture with Russell Morin Hospitality Solutions, the library raised revenues to support its many free public programs through events and space rentals. During off hours, the newly restored halls are available for corporate meetings, exhibitions, weddings, receptions, and other community celebrations that add to the amenities of downtown Providence.