St Louis Public Library | Cannon Design

Cannon Design, an internationally ranked architectural, engineering and planning firm, is pleased to announce it has completed work on the transformative restoration, renovation and adaptive reuse of the St. Louis Public Library, Central Library. The crown jewel of the St Louis Public Library system, Central Library was originally funded by Andrew Carnegie and designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert in 1912.

photography by © Timothy Hursley

The Library’s revitalization increases public space by more than 38,000 SF, modernizes the library for the 21st century, contributes to the urban renewal of St. Louis and enhances the building’s stature as a cultural treasure. More than 11,000 people visited the library in its opening week. The library continues to see increased visitation and acceptance, winning the Architizer A+ award for the best library, a competition with more than 150,000 public votes worldwide.

photography by © Timothy Hursley

The original three-story building was designed in Beaux Arts style featuring a ceremonial granite stair, vaulted reception foyer and centrally located Great Hall. The hall is surrounded by five wings, four dedicated to public reading rooms and the fifth, the North Wing, to a multistory depository of books closed to the public. A structurally independent steel skeleton, doubling as a bookshelf and floor support, was inserted by Gilbert between the walls of the North Wing. This “building within the building,” required replacement to address fire and seismic hazard. The North Wing transformation truly rejuvenates the library and brings it into the 21st century with the removal of old book stacks and the insertion of a new “building within the building.” Now, a multi-story public atrium provides an accessible and welcoming entry. Glass enclosed upper levels house the collection with compact density bookshelves. These books are now visible to the public as visual elements of the space. The North wall windows, now clear glass, bounce natural light deep into the interior and provide striking views.

photography by © Timothy Hursley

The Great Hall and four public wings are restored and revitalized to their turn-of-the-century splendor and equipped with new mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems along with modern data and electric raceways. A new public entry on Locust Street defers to Gilbert’s original façade as a canopy that arises from a pool of water without touching the building. The new entrance opens up the building to a surrounding urban neighborhood north of the library. “Looking at the library project, I’m most proud of how we’ve created a solution where the new structure and existing building live in harmony,” said George Nikolajevich, FAIA, Design Principal. “The design feels natural… a really great place to visit and spend time. I take pride in knowing the design feels effortless and hope it proves timeless.”

photography by © Timothy Hursley

Cannon Design is an Ideas Based Practice, ranked among the leading international firms in planning and design for healthcare, education, corporate commercial, and government clients. At present, the firm employs a staff of over 1,000, delivering services in 15 offices throughout North America as well as abroad in Shanghai, China, and Mumbai, India.

photography by © Timothy Hursley

Project Info:
Architects: Cannon Design
Location: 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Design Principal: George Nikolajevich, FAIA
Project Year: 2012
Photographs: Timothy Hursley
Manufacturers: Ellison Bronze, Irwin Seating, Rulon, Gotham Lighting, CertainTeed, WASCO Skylights, DAIKIN, HAWS, Lutron, Mecho Systems, Viracon, Forms + Surfaces, Delta Faucet, Interface, Firestone Building Products, Tandus Centiva, Erco, Focal Point Lights, Wausau, Selux + 39
Project Name: St Louis Public Library