The Fort Worth Central Library project represents an innovative solution to an unfortunate existing condition; the two-square-block, underground library constructed in the 1970’s was plagued by more than 300 detected leaks, some of which dated back to its opening.  In lieu of continuing efforts to repair the leaks, the client requested we design a new two-story shell over the entire site, solving the water penetration problems and providing much-needed expansion space for this central downtown location. There were no funds for any interior work, but the client expected that having the shell space would help raise support for future expansion. This proved to be correct. Work started on planning the interior just two years after completion of the shell.

Even though the construction budget for this work was extremely limited, the design achieves a sense of permanence and civic importance appropriate for a central library.  To maintain scale and rhythm appropriate to the surrounding urban fabric, facade appears as three distinct buildings. Two, 2-story wing buildings flank a central building with a pedimented entry pavilion. Small garden courts, used as a reading garden and an outdoor children’s story telling area, separate the main building massing from the adjacent wings.