Community, History, Health
PROJECT
Waterloo-Grant Township
Public Library
LOCATION
Waterloo, Indiana
SIZE
5,600 SF Renovation
3,900 SF Addition
COMPONENTS
New public entrance, expanded Children’s collection, meeting rooms, bistro
Waterloo-Grant Township Public Library has evolved from a historic monument to a modern hub of information and activity thanks to some timely renovations.
Built in 1913, the Waterloo-Grant Township Public Library is an exceptional example of the iconic presence Carnegie Libraries can offer rural communities. Charged with exploring how this historic facility could be renovated and expanded to meet the needs of a modern library, MKM performed an extensive analysis of the original building and initiated discussions with local collaborators to develop the best solution for both the library and the community it serves.
The original concept for the project was to shape the site’s natural and artificial features to create a new, ADA-compliant public entrance. With the renovation and expansion of the original facility, the project allowed for a series of new and improved spaces for collection and programming. New spaces included a relocated Children's Department, a new public entrance, new elevator and architectural stairs, new Teen area, centralized circulation desk, reading lounges, and new community room.