Inside the planned West End Library, a first of its kind

Sep 18, 2013, 11:34am EDT
Core Group PC

Inside the West End Library, designed by Core Group PC.

Staff Reporter- Washington Business Journal
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The architect behind the D.C. Public Library’s planned West End branch has designed a destination — the first of its kind for the District, in several ways.

The District’s libraries, even the newest, award-winning branches, are traditionally standalone models. While a handful are part of recreation centers or schools, D.C. has never incorporated a library into a private development. No full-scale branch of the D.C. Public Library has ever been a tenant.

On the West End, Georgetown-based Core Group PC has designed a 20,000-square-foot branch that will be topped by 172 market-rate residential units, and adjacent to a cafe. It will be a modern public library, with a Barnes & Noble feel.

“This is certainly a unique project, because they’re becoming a part of a larger development,” said Allison Cooke, Core’s director of hospitality design. “This was a unique fit for them, and they’re excited to be there and excited to be part of a virbant neighborhood that’s going to become even more so.”

The larger West End project, which will also include a new fire station topped by 52 affordable units, is being led by EastBanc. The modern glass exterior was designed by the New York-based starchitects Ten Arquitectos.

Legal action has delayed the project.

Core, retained by EastBanc, has worked with the D.C. Public Library before, having designed the Mount Pleasant and Rosedale renovations and additions. On the West End, Core was hired to design the library’s interior, the floor plan and the flow. It “wasn’t necessarily an ideal space,” Cooke said, but what they’ve carved out will be visible, bright and active.

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Michael Neibauer covers economic development, chambers of commerce, transportation and politics.

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