Kingston Free Library

Work performed by principal R. Drayton Fair, LEED AP, ALA, AIA, while employed at Tappe Associates.

The original building, built in 1776, is one of the five original statehouses of Rhode Island. The project featured a new accessible entrance, elevator and egress stair discreetly attached to the rear of the building and allows for full handicapped access to the entire structure for the first time. The entire historic post and beam heavy timber frame of the building was reinforced with new steel to support current library loading without compromising the
historic integrity of the original structure. New casework and millwork were designed to enhance the design of the original building. The second level was also brought up to code as a meeting hall for the community. Complete new systems including HVAC, fire protection, electrical and technology systems were fully integrated into the structure. The interior and furnishing design was coordinated and prepared by the architect to complement the original architecture.