Central Branch Renovation Modernises Community Hub

A cornerstone of the neighbourhood, the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) was in need of renovations to help better serve the community. Working with the City of Kingston, HDR provided full architectural and engineering services to modernise the central branch library. KFPL’s strategic vision for 2020 and their goals for the renovation included:

• CONNECTING - Connect to the residents.
• INVITING - Being open to the city, engaging and interacting are essential for the library to be a vital part of the civic experience.
• TRANSFORMATIVE - Enhancing and changing lives by transforming information into inspiration. Inspiring imagination by making accessible new technologies that promote participation in the digital information environment.
• FLEXIBILITY - Positioning the Library to serve the changing needs of the community by accommodating the values and strengths of today while allowing for a different tomorrow.
• ACCESSIBILITY AND SECURITY - Consolidating core services to allow for extended hours of operation by closing off sections not integral to off-hours operation. Improving the sight lines to minimise security concerns.
• BUILDING SYSTEMS - Upgrade older original building systems with new technology to minimise service disruptions and maximize dollar savings while providing a fresher space for visitors.

The central branch project involved a complete interior renovation along with new mechanical, electrical and life safety systems. In addition to the above, HDR also replaced all exterior windows, increasing some window sizes to allow more visual connection to the city, a completely new landscape plan along Johnson Street, a new main entrance location and general exterior upgrades due to ongoing water issues.

The library sits within the Historic Sydenham Conservation District and is considered by local residents to be a significant part of the Kingston Heritage fabric. An extensive Heritage Conservation Study was undertaken for this project, with considerable effort made to satisfy the different stakeholders’ vision for the library and its place in the landscape of Kingston.