Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

CEG collaborated with Martinez+Johnson Architecture (OTJ Architecture) to renovate the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. This 450,000 SF landmark building opened in 1972 and is the only library and structure in D.C. originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Renovation revolved around the respect for the original architecture, while updating the aging building to a 21st century modern central library. The new building respects traditional library services, while celebrating current technology and anticipating future innovation. Among the building challenges were 40 years of deferred maintenance, outdated building systems, a failing exterior envelope, and some original design issues that fail to live up to the transparent, open beauty of the building’s concept.

Four lower floors are linked to a new fifth floor and rooftop garden by striking staircases and user-friendly wayfinding tools, creating a clearer path through the building. It also recognizes various levels of users and the range of platforms through which they access information. The new building systems address environmental issues and adheres to LEED Gold certification standards. In addition to traditional library services, new features include a modern maker space, a café with indoor/outdoor seating on the ground level, and a children’s library with a multi-level slide.