MLK Library Architect Selection Process

MLK Library Architect Selection Process

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Martinez + Johnson is a D.C.-based firm that has extensive experience with historic modernization projects including D.C.’s Takoma Park and Georgetown libraries. Mecanoo is a Dutch-based firm whose work includes Boston’s Dudley Municipal Center and the Library of Birmingham in England.

The three-phase architect selection process began in August 2013 when the Library issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to identify interested firms with experience working on similar projects. An expert panel reviewed submissions from 26 firms that responded to the RFQ.

On Oct. 18, 2013, ten firms were selected from the original 26 to move to the second round in the search for an architecture team.  The 10 firms were invited to respond to a request for technical proposal to determine how each firm would approach designing the library.  Firms were judged by a team of library, urban planning, architecture and preservation experts that evaluated the firms based on the following criteria:
  • Senior personnel assigned to the project, and their experience designing and completing major libraries and obtaining appropriate approvals from D.C. and federal review agencies;
  • Approach to managing the project, developing the project budget, managing the costs and schedule while ensuring the final design meets budget requirements, and addressing key challenges that are inherent in the project; and
  • Ability to meet or exceed the District’s Certified Business Enterprise participation rate of 35 percent.
On Dec. 23, 2013 the Library announced three finalist architecture teams. These three teams submitted design ideas. An eight-member Technical Evaluation Committee evaluated the three finalists with input from an Advisory Panel, as well as input from the community. The Advisory Panel represents the perspectives of important stakeholders from around the city. Each Advisory Panel member brings a specific expertise that is relevant to the modernization process.

The teams presented initial design ideas to the public, the Technical Evaluation Committee and the Advisory Panel at a Library Design Forum on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. Images from all the architects' proposals were available for public viewing at MLK Jr. Memorial Library and all neighborhood libraries. The final team was announced on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014.