Nevins Memorial Library

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

The Nevins Memorial Library is not only listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the benefactors are actually buried on the property. Juggling the complex siting issues of the building, grave site and specimen trees planted by David Nevins Jr., the design of the addition is sympathetic to the original Richardsonian Romanesque style of the exterior.

The design brings complete new handicapped accessibility to the entire building for the first time and provides 17,000 additional SF for library services. The interior of the addition contrasts the original ornate oak with a lighter design and wood finish while still complementing the proportions of the original. Architect designed furniture pulls the design through to the details, while the new stained glass windows in the Children’s Library, also designed by the architect, carry an original theme throughout.