Des Plaines Public Library
Des Plaines, Ill.
Lohan Associates

Library Anchors New Growth in Deserted Downtown Area

© Les Boschke

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

This new library building is an integral part of the planned redevelopment of a neglected downtown area that contained a vacant mall and open space where commercial buildings once stood. The architect prepared a master plan that placed the new library at the center of the development, effectively acting as an anchor for the rest of downtown.

The Des Plaines Public Library was much in need of a new facility to replace their existing 40,000 square foot building at another location. To improve the delivery of library services, the project was designed for flexibility in both layout and technical infrastructure. The building accommodates current modes of communication technology and is designed for minimal disruption in future technological change. Large open floors, with columns spaced according to typical stack arrangements, allow for spatial flexibility. There is a logical layout for materials flow and for easy user access to information. The interior of the building features a large public lobby, part of a sky-lit atrium that links all 4 floors. Each level has a main service desk placed at the stair/elevator landing, and a distinct accent color for signage, carpeting, and other features, that serves as an identifier for each department.

Formal name of building:
Des Plaines Public Library and Downtown Redevelopment

Location:
Des Plaines, Ill.

Gross square footage:
82,000 sf

Total construction cost:
$13.5 million

Client:
Des Plaines Public Library