Renovation and Modernization Underway at Stoughton Public Library 

Structural Steel going up

Stoughton, MA – Construction is underway at the Stoughton Public Library in Stoughton.
The project will expand and renovate the current structure of 22,000sf to approximately 31,000sf, bringing thoughtful program-driven spaces that are flexible, comfortable, and welcoming to more effectively meet the demands of a growing population.
The existing 1969 library was well designed for its time, with a large central stair, atrium, and clerestory windows throughout. The open plan was innovative and allowed the library to evolve for many years. With the advent of technology and the passage of time, the building became outdated.

Rendering of Stoughton Public Library (after) / Finegold Alexander Architects

According to Tony Hsiao, director of design at Finegold Alexander, the new design creates a much more open face to the community and the street.  “It invites patrons into the library, and brings much more daylight into the interiors.  The library itself was carefully studied to make the most of what exists, while not being limited in creating a bold new library that was transformative to meet the new vision of the community for a library.”
“We had to create a very efficient and compact design, that had no wasted space for underutilized areas” said Tony. “The result is a two story addition that opened up the library at the ground floor to accommodate a much larger children and youth library, and relocated the adult collection and library meeting spaces to the upper floor.”

 

When construction is complete, the design-build team will have:

  • updated and replaced all systems with energy-efficient components
  • ensured that the library is completely accessible
  • increased existing parking spaces
  • offered a variety of meeting spaces for programs and community use
  • improved the Children’s Area to offer an enclosed craft and story hour space
  • provided a separate enclosed space for young adults
  • expanded the current two-story building with security and technology

The new design will also expand the second floor and create a glazed addition that extends over the new main entrance terrace.  The project is on schedule to be completed in the fall of this year.

Stoughton Public Library (before)

 

Design-Build Team:

Finegold Alexander Associates: architect
M. O’Connor Contracting, Inc.: general contractor
Daedalus Projects Incorporated: owner’s project manager
RSE Associates: structural engineer
BLW Engineers: MEP Engineer
The Green Engineer: sustainable design consultant
Nitsch Engineering, Inc.: civil engineer and traffic consultant
RW Sullivan Code Group: code
V.J. Associates of New England: cost estimating
Deborah Myers Landscape Architecture: landscape architect
Stefura Associates, Inc.: interior design
Mark Wilhelm: specifications