Francis A. Gregory Library Construction Update

New Library Now Open

View photos and site designs of Francis A. Gregory Library. Construction of the new Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library is complete. The new library, designed by award-winning architecture team of Adjaye Associates and Wiencek Associates opened on June 19, 2012 with Mayor Gray and other city officials at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.  Here are frequently asked questions about the library.

The Interim Library, located at 2100 36th Place SE (next to the Anne Beers Elementary School) is closed.
 

Check out the furniture and other finishes for the new building.

Jair Lynch Development Partners served as the development manager for the construction project. View images of the entire construction process:

DCPL Francis a Gregory Library Construction Progress

As part of the construction project, the Library partnered with the Department of Local Small Business Development to launch a new Mentor-Protege program. The program identifies small certified local businesses to be mentored by larger businesses with the goal of creating more opportunities for small firms to work on government contracts. Hess Construction served as the mentor to Broughton Construction Company, LLC to build the new Francis Gregory Library.

View photos and site designs of Francis A. Gregory Library.

The new library features:

  • Space for 80,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other library materials
  • Children’s program room
  • Separate reading areas for adults, teens and children
  • 32 public access computers with free Wi-Fi Internet access
  • Comfortable seating for 200 customers
  • Large program room for up to 100 people
  • Two 12-person conference room
  • Four quiet study rooms
  • Vending area
  • Outdoor seating

Community Input

As part of the design process, the library hosted focus groups and conducted surveys with residents to learn what programs and services are most important to them. Participants also were asked about what design features they would like to see in their new library.

The library has hosted community meetings for residents to hear from the architect as the design developed. Participants met in small groups and provided feedback to the architect and the library. Read the feedback.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The library completed an independent Facility Condition Assessment of the building’s condition before determining it was best to rebuild this building rather than renovate.