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site plan

Materials from the Existing Building

    Date Posted: Tue, May 03 - 4:14 pm

    Question

  • Will any materials from the existing building (exterior or interior) be reused?

    • Answer

  • Yes, materials from the interior of the existing 1920s building embedded in the 1970s wrapper will be salvaged and reused / displayed in the renovated library (for example the marble cladding from the interior walls of the existing foyer).

Old Art Deco Building

    Date Posted: Fri, Apr 01 - 6:21 pm

    Question

  • I really encourage the Library to save the art deco building. Replace a different part of the property, if necessary. That building is a true gem.

    • Answer

  • The exterior of the art deco building was severely damaged in the 1972 expansion and is no longer salvageable. We will save interior art deco elements, unique finishes and features of the 1928 building.

Preserving the Dooley Building

    Date Posted: Fri, Apr 01 - 6:10 pm

    Question

  • Is that an entirely new building or are stories added to the original? How about the old part of the library, does that remain inside the new building?? I hope you maintain some of the classic architecture & features of the original building along with some exciting new lines & expansion. Good luck!

    • Answer

  • Thank you, it is our intention to maintain aspects of the architecture and interesting features of the original 1928 building. We know patrons have important memories tied to the Dooley building, and will seek to retain aspects of the old building in the redesigned library.

The older Dooley building

    Date Posted: Fri, Apr 01 - 5:16 pm

    Question

  • What is the plan for the historic section of the library that was built by Mrs. Dooley? Will it be maintained as it was with the original expansion?

    • Answer

  • The 1972 expansion responded to the need of Richmonders at the time, adding 90,000 sq ft. for books. Elements of the older Dooley building will be saved. Any attempted renovation to the older building would require extensive renovation and engineering to bring the building into code compliance. This option was reviewed extensively, and unfortunately preservation and structurally reinventing the space to modern library needs would add significant, prohibitive cost.