Carow Architects +

Scope Of Work

Carow · Architects · Planners provided architectural and interior design services for the expansion and renovation of the Racine Public Library. Construction was in two phases. The first was a new addition of 30,000 square feet, This became the home for the library during the second phase, which was a total renovation and rebuilding of the existing 32,000 square foot library built in 1961. The building was designed to be expanded with the addition of a future third floor containing 15,000 square feet. The total size of the facility, with that addition, will be 77,000 square feet.

Located in downtown Racine, the two-story structure rests on a slope overlooking Lake Michigan, Lakefront Park, and the Festival Grounds. The first floor houses the circulation desk, children's department, an 80-seat meeting room, offices, extension or outreach services, and technical services. The second floor features the complete adult services department.

Design features include indirect lighting systems, clerestory atrium space, curved window walls, landscaped two-story entry and atrium spaces, and an interior greenhouse garden. Interior design services included furnishings and custom cabinetry for administrative spaces, reading rooms, meeting rooms, offices, and stacks.