Christa McAuliffe branch library / exterior rendering by Finegold Alexander
Framingham, MA – The town of Framingham and architects Finegold Alexander + Associates Inc. announced a groundbreaking for the new Christa McAuliffe branch library.
Trustee Sam Klaidman, chairman of the building committee, said construction on the $8.6 million project is the culmination of a community effort to create a new library that honors one of its town’s most famous residents. “This is an exciting moment in the town’s history, and we are thrilled to begin construction on the project.”
This branch library is the second busiest branch public library in the state, and will encompass 17,000sf at 746 Water Street. The building will be an L-shaped, one-story structure adjacent to the Nobscot Shopping Center and will triple the size of the current branch on Nicholas Road it will replace.
“Inspired by the spirit of Christa McAuliffe, the design creates a soaring roof in the shape of a wing, that lifts over the main reading areas for adult and children,” said Tony Hsiao, principal and director of design at Finegold Alexander + Associates Inc. “The library design will adapt to new trends in library usage, and has a large open plan that is flexible to accommodate future library space needs.” The new Christa McAuliffe Branch Library is located at the high point of its natural wooded site and embraces a state-of-the art sustainable green approach with a LEED Certification Target.
Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2015.
