D.C. rethinks its central library plans, goes bigger

The District’s big plans for its overhauled central library have expanded, though a mixed-use addition remains an option for the downtown landmark.

The D.C. Public Library initially estimated it would need as little as 200,000 square feet of the 440,000-square-foot, Mies van der Rohe-designed Martin Luther King Jr. Library for library services. But after receiving more than 3,000 comments from the public, the DCPL has decided to use the entire building at 901 G St. NW, plus a new fifth floor, for library use.

That decision, however, does not rule out the option of a mixed-use addition atop the new fifth floor. New renderings show a three-floor add-on that the library system explains would “ensure the long-term viability” of MLK.

The most recent building program for the renovated MLK calls for a 20,000-square-foot market and great hall, 16,000-square-foot innovation and prototyping space (think 3-D printers and power tools), a 4,300-square-foot teen area, a 65,400-square-foot adult reading area, 5,200-square-foot adult literacy center, 8,000-square-foot center for accessibility, 10,800 square feet of children’s services, 24,400-square-foot special collections area, a 30,600-square-foot meeting event and roof terrace and 94,000 square feet of non-public space.

The renovation is expected to cost as much as $250 million. The city has committed about $200 million to the project.

There are two leading designs for a rooftop addition, one that is curvilinear and another that is rectangular. See those in the gallery to the right, as well as the option for a mixed-use addition.

The project is currently under review by the National Capital Planning Commission. At the same time, the DCPL has started the process of seeking an interim library space, likely in a downtown Class A or Class B office building.

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