Boston Public Library
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Category Archives: Major Projects

Johnson Building Improvements Update

Posted on May 3rd, 2013 by Michael Colford in Johnson Building Study, Major Projects

On April 8, Community Advisory Committee members reconvened to review predesign concepts for the Johnson Improvement Project.  President Amy Ryan along with representatives from William Rawn Associates, Architects Inc. and the City of Boston Public Facilities Department reviewed the goals of the project, introduced design concepts and program themes intended to enhance the user experience, reviewed the remaining schedule for the planning process, and discussed some of the next steps.

On April 10, BPL hosted a public program in Rabb Lecture Hall which featured an update of the early phases of the project lead by Michael Colford, director of library services.  Chris Gordon, consultant to the project, reviewed enterprise opportunities, and William Rawn and Cliff Gayley from William Rawn Associates, Architects Inc. led a discussion about the design principles of the Johnson buildings original Architect, Philip Johnson.

The night concluded with a dialog between the public and the presenters.  There were questions about the enterprise aspects of the project, the overall schedule, and discussion about how the public input being collected would be incorporated into the project.  Several audience members expressed appreciation for the context and asked that the project team continue to “think big.”

POSTPONED Johnson Improvement Project: CAC Meeting

Posted on April 29th, 2013 by Nancy Grilk in Johnson Building Study, Major Projects
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The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Johnson Improvement Project scheduled for May 8th has been postponed.

A rescheduled meeting will be posted once the date is set.

Uphams Corner Building Improvements

Posted on April 12th, 2013 by Christine Schonhart in Library Services, Major Projects
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2013uphams_smallThe municipal building at 500 Columbia Road, which houses the Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library, will undergo building improvements beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. The building improvements necessitate a temporary closure of the branch while work takes place. Construction will begin on Tuesday, May 28, and is expected to be completed in early September 2013. Improvements planned for the building include replacing the roof, including insulation and flashing; removing, replacing, and painting selected downspouts; repairing and replacement of the exterior gutters; repointing the masonry; installation of new windows; rebuilding the exterior and interior stairs; and installing a new heating system.

The BPL will post information about the project on the Uphams Corner profile page on the BPL website along with any necessary program rescheduling information. Current Uphams Corner Branch users will be invited to use the Dudley and Grove Hall branches during the temporary closure period.

Johnson Building Improvement Project: Ideas Being Collected

Posted on April 2nd, 2013 by Gina Perille in Johnson Building Study, Major Projects
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JohnsonBuildingLobbyDisplay_pic1We have already started to receive comments and suggestions on the display in the center atrium of the Johnson Building. Thank you to all who have already particpated. If you are not able to visit the Central Library this month or attend the April 10 program, please feel free to comment directly on this blog, send an email to compass@bpl.org, or send a letter to Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116.

The questions posted on on the display at the Central Library are similar to ones shared on this blog in January. They are:

  1. What areas or services in the library seem underutilized when you visit? What areas might need some updating?
  2. What can the library do to establish a stronger connection to Boylston Street and Exeter Street?
  3. How might the library make the Johnson Building more attractive and inviting?
  4. What sorts of enterprise or entrepreneurial opportunities might the library pursue? What sorts of entrepreneurial activities might fit in well in the Johnson Building?


Public Program on the Johnson Building: Wednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m.

Posted on March 29th, 2013 by Gina Perille in Johnson Building Study, Major Projects
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Boston Public Library will host a public program on Wednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m. to update library users and interested residents on the early phases of the Johnson Building Improvement Project. The program will take place Johnson Exteriorin Rabb Lecture Hall, located on the concourse level of the Johnson Building at 700 Boylston Street. Amy E. Ryan, president of Boston Public Library; Michael R. Colford, director of library services; and architect William L. Rawn will lead the April 10 program.

The Johnson Building, which opened in 1972, is the portion of the Central Library in Copley Square that is at the corner of Boylston and Exeter Streets.

Last summer, the library issued a request for proposals for help in exploring ideas on how to improve visitors’ first impression of the Johnson Building, enrich library services and spaces, and generate cost-sharing options and additional revenue.

Preliminary efforts to develop ideas for the Johnson Building began in November 2012 when a community advisory committee was formed and continued into December 2012 when the firm William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc. was selected to lead the master planning process.

Prior to the April 10 program, Boston Public Library will mount a display in the center atrium of the Johnson Building where library users and visitors can review a floor plan of the existing layout of the building and are encouraged to provide comments and suggestions on the project. The display will remain up for the entire month of April.

Background on the Johnson Building Project to date is published throughout this blog. Those not able to attend the April 10 public program or visit the display are welcome to leave a comment on the library’s Compass blog at www.bpl.org/compass or send an email to compass@bpl.org. “Compass” is the name of Boston Public Library’s strategic plan.

Download and share the April 10 program flyer (PDF).