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Washington Highlands LibraryA Progress Report to the CommunityTuesday, March 31, 2009
On Tuesday, March 31, DC Public Library and the architecture team of AdjayeAssociates and Weincek & Associates presented preliminary designs of the newWashington Highlands Library at a community meeting. Twenty-nine peopleadded their name to the sign-in sheet. Following the presentation, the audienceprovided comments on the preliminary designs. What follows is a summary ofthose comments and responses from the Library.
Design
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Accessibility for the handicapped must be addressed. Please considerchildren with special needs and provide opportunities for intergenerationalprojects. The building has to be agreeable to bringing different groupstogether.
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The new library should serve all groups, regardless of disability. Thelibrary should serve individuals with mental or physical impairments.
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Be sure there are changing tables in both the women’s and men’srestrooms.
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Be sure to consider the local schools in the new design. Ensure thatschool children will be able to travel to the library safely.
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Be sure walking patterns from schools and daycare centers are safe, andinclude curb cuts and cross walks. Is DCPL coordinating with other DCagencies such as DDOT?
Library Response:
The library will have programs and services for all DCresidents. The new building will comply will all ADA requirements. Both the men’sand women’s restrooms will have changing tables. The Library will coordinatewith DDOT, the Office of Planning and other relevant agencies to ensure thatwalking routes are as safe as possible. This will include curb cuts for strollers andwheelchairs, crosswalks and signage.
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Children’s space should be more transparent to the adult space. Securityis very important for the building. Parents will want clear sight lines to therestrooms as well.
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Security in the library is critical. What security measures will the libraryhave and will it include a security guard on site? Bathrooms should havesecurity as well.
Library Response:
Security is a top concern for the Library. The new buildingwill have clear sight lines across each floor. Bathroom entrances will be from themain room, rather than a back hallway as in the current building. The building willbe equipped with security cameras, which can be monitored from the staffcomputers. Decisions about security staffing will be made closer to the openingof the new library.
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The new building should “give a nod” to the current building byincorporating brick into the design. Re-using bricks would contribute to theLEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
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The plans for the new library look very modern. This style is out of placewith the surrounding neighborhood. Please consider using brick in the newdesign – perhaps even recycling some of the bricks from the currentbuilding.
Library Response:
The design is forward-looking. The use of glass serves tobring in natural light and allow those passing by to be drawn into the library. Thenew building will be designed to achieve a LEED Certification of at least Silver.While the architects currently do not anticipate re-using brick in the new building,all building materials will be recycled, rather than being dumped in a landfill.
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Has anyone considered renovating the current building and adding on toit, rather than tearing it down and starting over?
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There are underground springs in the neighborhood that may affect thenew library.
Library Response:
The Library conducted a Cost-Benefit Analysis of thebuilding’s condition which concluded that it would be more cost effective torebuild the library. This document is available online at dclibrary.org. Thearchitect and engineering team have conducted a thorough site analysisincluding a geotechnical survey to determine the ground water level. The buildingwill no have basement, and underground water is not anticipated to be aproblem.
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What is the energy rating of the materials be used? Please share thedetails of this information with the community.
Library Response:
While the design is still in the preliminary stages, it willincorporate a number of energy efficient materials. As these details aredetermined, we will share them with the community.
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How much parking will the new library have?
Library Response:
The current design includes a side parking lot for sevenvehicles. In addition, there is street parking available, including a handicappedspot in front of the library.
Program
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Meeting room space is a valuable service provided by the library. Eveninghours are important for this library. In addition, the design of the newlibrary should allow for use of meeting rooms when the library is closed.
Library Response:
The library will include a large meeting room toaccommodate 100 people. In addition, there will be two conference rooms toaccommodate 12-16 people, depending upon the configuration, and severalsmall quiet study rooms that can accommodate two people. The design will takeinto account access to the meeting room outside of library operating hours.
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Because this neighborhood has no FedEx/Kinko’s or business supportnearby, it is important for the library to provide these functions.
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Have a coffee shop in the new library. Perhaps the Friends group couldrun the shop.
Library Response:
The library will offer computers and WiFi access as well asphotocopying for a nominal fee. The new library will have a vending area. Inaddition, the Library will explore contracting with a business to provide a coffeecart or other type of light refreshment service.
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Please include a garden space that will provide opportunities for thecommunity to get involved in gardening.
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The area around Washington Highlands is rich in history and culture.Please provide a space in the library that will reflect the local history.Consider including a collection that would help preserve local history.
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Make the roof top a destination. Make use of the rooftop by incorporatingan outdoor space that could be rented for parties.
Library Response:
The design will include landscaping and outdoor greenspace for the community to enjoy. There will be opportunities for public art and
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