Description
21st-century libraries are being reinvented for one of the nation’s largest library systems.
In Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties, the Mid Continent Public Library (MCPL) makes up the largest library system in the Kansas City Metro Area. And, as one of the largest library systems in the country, MCPL has over 30 branch locations to serve more than 800,000 citizens.
Over the past year, the design team at Sapp Design Architects and Helix Architecture + Design have been working with MCPL to prepare new designs and remodeling efforts for the existing facilities.
Sapp & Helix are working together to bring their firms’ combined expertise with 21st-century libraries, architecture and interior design to each branch location. Together, the firms representing the wishes of MCPL, worked with Construction Manager, JE Dunn Construction to develop a phased approach to construction. JE Dunn, in turn, brought in SSM to provide budgeting for the various exterior elements.
SSM developed budget pricing and provided supporting images of several cladding solutions that helped inform the design team’s decision making process. Once the first set of projects went out to bid, SSM‘s winning bid hit right in the middle of the target.
Phase I projects, included: Blue Springs South Branch, Excelsior Springs Branch, Antioch Branch, Oak Grove, Weston, and the Platte City branches.
The Oak Grove branch received a new metal and glass entry vestibule. SSM provided formed metal soffit panels, face fastened ACM components and decorative trims to round out the look.
