Skip to content
CA
  • House Design
  • Home Improvement
  • Renovation
  • House Renovation
  • Bathroom Decoration

The Coral Gables library is reopening after two years of renovations. Take a peek inside

Posted on 24/05/2023 By Kartika
Renovation

Less than a week before its long-awaited reopening, contractors and staff at the Coral Gables Branch Library were busy refinishing the grand entrance double doors and transferring books from small rolling carts to dust-free bookcases.

Miami-Dade Public Library System Director Ray Baker said the renovation process was at “the end of the line,” with only final touches remaining after two years since the doors closed in April 2021.

The revamped library will reopen on Monday to the public.

The changes included replacing the roof, installing impact-resistant windows and updating the electrical and data wiring system. The library also added new furniture, carpeting, lighting, computers, ample seating options, an updated staff lounge and fully-renovated bathrooms.

Baker said 35% of the books and materials in the library’s collection are now brand new and “fresh out of the box.”

The price tag for the first major renovation to the 1968 building: $6.8 million, according to Baker.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said of the project’s completion. “We know this is a jewel of the county and of Coral Gables, and we would never want to proceed with a project that would do anything that would disrupt a historic building.”

Miami-Dade Public Library System Director Ray Baker walks through the front lobby of Coral Gables Branch Library with plans to reopen on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021. The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

Miami-Dade Public Library System Director Ray Baker walks through the front lobby of Coral Gables Branch Library with plans to reopen on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021. The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The new interior seeks to adapt to the needs of 21st century library users while also honoring the building’s iconic style.

The library’s dramatic and cavernous lobby shows the melting of two eras. A new quartz slab sits on top of the main service desk’s original, ornate wooden base. The exposed wooden beams, wrought-iron chandeliers and tile floors have been preserved and refined, while contemporary furniture flanks the entrance to the main reading room.

Coral Gables Branch Library plans to reopen on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021 with new furnishings, lighting, and computers.  The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

Coral Gables Branch Library plans to reopen on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021 with new furnishings, lighting, and computers. The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

That same theme carries through the rest of the library, with the original and refined wood paneling and bookshelves along the walls, which blend in with the new free-standing stacks.

The furniture has been adapted for modern technology, with power outlets and USB ports built into the tables and seating. That was not the case prior to the renovations. “You had to find a wall plug and maybe hope that your seat was reaching there,” Baker said.

The renovated children’s room includes new bookshelves, bathrooms and computers, and colorful seating underneath tree-like sculptures.

Librarian Lucy Laso helps prepare the children’s room at the Coral Gables Branch Library which reopens on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021. The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 .

Librarian Lucy Laso helps prepare the children’s room at the Coral Gables Branch Library which reopens on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021. The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The projected renovations timeline was initially 18 months, but pandemic-related supply chain issues caused delays. The library is still replacing its HVAC system, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.

Some of the library’s artifacts have returned, including the 1930 model of a 17th century Spanish Galleon. Baker noted that transporting some artifacts, like the Galleon, to off-site storage, and getting the appropriate insurance, added to the timeline. Other library artifacts, like the original Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, will be brought back once the HVAC system is up and running, Baker said.

The county also brought in new paintings from its own permanent collection. Other library artwork, like artist Katherine French Pancoast’s 1970 floor-to-ceiling glazed ceramic tile mural, remains.

Miami-Dade Public Library System Director Ray Baker looks over the 1930 model of a 17th century Spanish Galleon at Coral Gables Branch Library.  The model sits on the table city founder George Merrick originated the plans for the development of the City of Coral Gables.  The library plans to reopen on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021 with all new lighting, computers, and furnishings.

Miami-Dade Public Library System Director Ray Baker looks over the 1930 model of a 17th century Spanish Galleon at Coral Gables Branch Library. The model sits on the table city founder George Merrick originated the plans for the development of the City of Coral Gables. The library plans to reopen on Monday, May 22 after closing for renovations in 2021 with all new lighting, computers, and furnishings.

During the renovation period, the county had been leasing a temporary library location on Miracle Mile. Baker said that the space will officially close at 6 pm on Saturday, and that the lease is set to expire in early July.

Branch manager Brent Capley said the library staff had split between the Miracle Mile location and other county libraries during the closure, and that they were eager to be under the same roof again.

Andres Martinez and Maria Vazquez unpack books at Coral Gables Branch Library as they help prepare to reopen on Monday, May 22 after the library closed for renovations in 2021. The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 .

Andres Martinez and Maria Vazquez unpack books at Coral Gables Branch Library as they help prepare to reopen on Monday, May 22 after the library closed for renovations in 2021. The library is located at 3443 Segovia Street in Coral Gables on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 .

Tags: architecture renovation projects renovation island renovation loan renovation meaning renovation work

Post navigation

❮ Previous Post: The Beauty of a One-Bedroom House? No Room for Guests.
Next Post: How to Plan Raised Garden Beds ❯

Recent Posts

  • How to Choose Jewelry for Your Personal Style
  • The Most Iconic Celebrity Engagement Rings
  • Developing Your Signature Meal: Cooking Techniques
  • How to Navigate Intellectual Property Disputes
  • Legal Responses to Hate Crimes

Tags

assam type house design photo business design your own house estate home design home improvement hulu home improvement loan home improvement loan rates home improvement products home improvements home improvement season 1 episodes home improvement stores near me home improvement streaming netflix home improvement tv show house design house design drawing house design games house design ideas house design online house design plans house design software free house remodeling house remodeling ideas house renovation design house renovation games jewellery latest newest nice house designs old house renovation ideas online renovate home renovating renovation angel renovation house renovation island renovation meaning in hindi renovation order of operations renovation process renovation projects renovation vs restoration simple house design technology types of renovation why did home improvement get cancelled

About Us

  • Contact Us
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Sitemap

Theme: Oceanly News Dark by ScriptsTown

WhatsApp us