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Free Library of Philadelphia
Client
City of Philadelphia
Category
Civic/Cultural, Education, Historic Preservation

Phase III of more than a decade’s work with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Safdie Architects saw a vast repurposing of the six-story private stacks. Kelly Maiello Architects executed the designs, providing documentation and construction administration for the newly opened spaces: The Robert and Eileen Kennedy Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement, the Marie and Joseph Field Teen Center, and the Business Resource and Innovation Center.

The project was awarded “Best Project” from ENR MidAtlantic in 2020 in the renovation/restoration category.

A spacious, modern lounge in Philadelphia with blue and orange seating, round tables, large windows, and geometric ceiling lights showcases thoughtful interior design as people sit, talk, and walk in the open, brightly lit area.

People walk and sit in a spacious, modern room labeled Business Resource and Innovation Center in Philadelphia, featuring architect-designed details like a central circular desk, high ceiling, bright lighting, and civic lounge seating areas.

During our association at FLP, KM has exhibited unrelenting professionalism and dedication. KM has demonstrated versatility in supporting SA through the early design phases, and the ability to manage the design team and navigate the local authorities during the latter phases of the projects. —Paul Gross, AIA, Principal, Safdie Architects

A modern library seating area showcases thoughtful interior design with blue and orange chairs, white tables, and red sofas. Bookshelves line the walls, while large windows and circular recessed lighting enhance the inviting civic space.

 

Cross-section rendering of a grand, multi-level building in Philadelphia with ornate architecture, showing people, staircases, chandeliers, balconies, and an educational library with bookshelves on the lower level.

Section through Grand Stair Hall and Learning Commons

 

Phases I and II: The Renewed Parkway Central Library

Kelly Maiello has been working with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Safdie Architects for well over a decade on the phased renovations of its Beaux-Arts 300,000-square-foot central branch located on Logan Circle. The goals of the library are to house and display its unique collection in a modern, updated environment while respecting the spirit of the historic building. Phase I initially called for a large-scale addition and renovations to accommodate new technologies, expanding collections and the widening role of the library as an urban activity center. After a funding hiatus, Kelly Maiello developed a new five-year, eight-phase master plan for integrated, phased improvements to the existing historic building. Phase II involved the cleaning and restoration of the magnificent lobby, a green roof design, development of the Skyline Room overlooking the Parkway, renovations to the rare books gallery and creation of a sleek culinary literacy kitchen.

 

A spacious, elegant hall with marble floors, tall columns, and an ornate ceiling celebrates civic gatherings in a grand, museum-like setting in Philadelphia. People walk and converse at tables as stairs rise at the far end—a testament to historic preservation.

Main Lobby

 

A spacious, modern cafeteria with round and square tables, white chairs, and bright ceiling lights showcases thoughtful interior design. Large floor-to-ceiling windows fill the empty room with light and highlight its clean, minimalist style.

Skyline Room

 

A spacious, modern commercial kitchen designed with sleek stainless steel tables and chairs, white cabinets, a large stove, and overhead vents—perfect for an architect or interior design enthusiast who appreciates both style and function.

Culinary Kitchen

 

Rendering Credits: Safdie Architects and the Free Library of Philadelphia

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