Fletcher Library
Boston – Finegold Alexander Architects has completed the feasibility study for the renovation and expansion of the town of Westford’s J.V. Fletcher Library, a historic 1895 structure. The study has received final town approval and will be included in the library’s application for MBLC grant funding in January 2017.
Westford native son Jonathan Varnum Fletcher donated the yellow Greek Renaissance Revival building to the town to serve as a library built on Westford common in 1895, and it has been renovated several times, the last of which was in the 1980s.
Finegold Alexander Architects’ charge was to develop a feasibility study, drawings, and other documents illustrating alternative schemes for the existing 22,000sf library. The goals for the new structure include:
- Flexibility for the library to adapt spaces and uses over the next two decades to provide a full array of services for a changing patronage.
- An expanded, responsive, energizing youth services area, including: 1) an imaginative and collaborative young adult area; 2) a lively design to appeal to youth under the age of 19; 3) individual tutorial rooms for study, research, and interaction; 4) conference area/computer lab/maker space; 5) increased relaxing and inviting seating and browsing areas; and 6) creation of a “local history” space.
-more-
The team at Finegold Alexander Architects recently completed library projects for Holyoke (a historic restoration and addition project), Framingham (the new Christa McAuliffe Branch Library) and Westwood (new construction), Massachusetts. “Our team is knowledgeable not only in historic library restoration and expansion projects, but also in the needs of today’s library patrons. We look forward to modernizing this remarkable community library,” said Principal, Ellen K. Anselone.
