Construction is underway on the renovation and expansion of this historic library (12,800 SF) on the National Register of Historic Places. The 9,600 SF modern addition will create much-needed program space for the library, utilizing locally sourced CLT and glulam construction. The renovation and addition will create a larger children’s area, adult reading areas, meeting rooms, community rooms, and archival space. This active library will benefit from the additional space to meet the needs of Bar Harbor and the surrounding communities.

The design of an addition to house the expanded programs areas presented a unique challenge: how could we respect the historic building’s importance, existing entry, and facade while almost doubling the size of the library? SA developed a design solution that located the new addition adjacent to the existing library, allowing it to hold the corner of the site and creating a public plaza space between the two structures. The new addition is intentionally designed so it doesn’t compete or overshadow the existing library and other neighboring buildings. Using the grade, and setting the upper level back from the front of the building, the three-story addition building is viewed as a single story from the main street. Drawing from the palette of the original building’s exterior, the addition will be built with ground face concrete block and ribbed metal panels. Referring to the wood paneling of the original interior, the new addition will be built with a mass timber structure, exposed CLT floors, and roof to highlight this new, locally sourced building technology.

Construction is slated to be complete in early 2026.

Client  |  Jesup Memorial Library

Location  |  Bar Harbor, Maine