View Looking Northeast

Patio


Entry Elevation


View Looking Northwest


Cafe at Night

The Matson Public Library has occupied the same historic structure on Park Avenue since 1913. Faced with a severe space shortage, antiquated mechanical systems, inadequate power and data infrastructure, and no handicapped accessibility whatsoever, the Library took the bold step of purchasing a vacant 28,000 sf grocery store building with the hopes of eventually renovating the structure into a state-of-the-art public library.

BCA provided comprehensive architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design services for the project. Renovation work to the new building includes removal and replacement of the building’s existing facade. New materials for the exterior were selected that blend with the building elements that will remain in place, yet give the building an exciting new identity. Portions of the grocery store’s parking lot are being removed to create more “green space” and seating outside the new Library, and a new drive-up book drop allows patrons to return materials without leaving their vehicles.

Inside, a total renovation is taking place, transforming a dated grocery store into a state-of-the art library facility. Patrons enter the building through a “Wireless Internet Café” which opens to a large meeting room that can be used outside of normal library operating hours.

The new library features spacious Adult Services, Children’s, and Young Adult areas, each with their own unique identity and décor. Security and sight lines are treated with the utmost importance, with clear lines of sight between the circulation desk, children’s department, reference desk, and public computer areas. New amenities such as individual study rooms and a Family Computer Room are available to patrons.   A Local History Room holds the library’s extensive genealogy and local history collections, and features an installation of the original library’s historic stained glass windows.

The new facility is the result of a successful referendum campaign. BCA provided a complete schematic design package including photo-realistic exterior renderings that helped the public visualize and understand the value of the proposed improvements in less than two months time.