per today's bj
"Waller McGuire $70 million Central Library rehab set to start major construction in August"
"Waller McGuire $70 million Central Library rehab set to start major construction in August"
This past weekend I took a tour of the library before it closes for renovation.i'm still bummed about the stacks. i still say it's the coolest little secrete in town.
I took a bunch of pictures and got some of the stacks with the glass floors. It really is an amazing building.
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I'm jealous, everytime I've tried to get photos, I've gotten the boot. I thought they were pretty strict on enforcing the no camera policy. Cool shots!olvidarte wrote:
This past weekend I took a tour of the library before it closes for renovation.
I took a bunch of pictures and got some of the stacks with the glass floors. It really is an amazing building.
I was surprised too. The first thing I asked when I was invited on the tour was if i could bring my camera and the answer was yes....so i was pretty excited about that. I've always heard camera's weren't allowed in the library.
I'm just glad I have my own record of it before the stacks are taken out.
I'm just glad I have my own record of it before the stacks are taken out.
bonwich wrote:You suppose the City might actually put pedestrian crossing signals on all the corners with access to the library. I mean, I realize a minimal level of pedestrian safety -- especially all the children that are theoretically attracted to the library -- is antithetical to City philosophy, but we can always hope.
Skybridge. Problem solved.
Awesome pics. Thanks for sharing.
My main concern with the renovation is how they will handle the lighting. I've always felt the library was dark and gloomy, but as Olvidarte points out in his blog, the "improvements" added over the years were awful. Hopefully they'll get someone who can improve the light levels without compromising the amazing architecture.
My main concern with the renovation is how they will handle the lighting. I've always felt the library was dark and gloomy, but as Olvidarte points out in his blog, the "improvements" added over the years were awful. Hopefully they'll get someone who can improve the light levels without compromising the amazing architecture.
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You'll be happy to see this video. Not sure if it's new or not but it addresses what you're talking about.Framer wrote:Awesome pics. Thanks for sharing.
My main concern with the renovation is how they will handle the lighting. I've always felt the library was dark and gloomy, but as Olvidarte points out in his blog, the "improvements" added over the years were awful. Hopefully they'll get someone who can improve the light levels without compromising the amazing architecture.
http://videos.stltoday.com/p/video?id=14091903
Cool video. Thanks.
I've spent many, many hours in the main art/architecture room, but I've never been in the Steedman Room. Looks awesome.
I've spent many, many hours in the main art/architecture room, but I've never been in the Steedman Room. Looks awesome.
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I am extremely happy for this to get going. ASAP. It's one of the most beautiful, and truly charming, buildings in StL, and it sure is in need of a massive amount of love that only fundraising proceeds can buy.
As it is now, every time I drive by, all I can think of is Family Guy:
"What's a library, dad?"
"Oh, it's just a place where homeless people come to shave and go BM."
As it is now, every time I drive by, all I can think of is Family Guy:
"What's a library, dad?"
"Oh, it's just a place where homeless people come to shave and go BM."
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If they're going to spend all this money, they really do need to do something about the bum problem.Gone Corporate wrote:I am extremely happy for this to get going. ASAP. It's one of the most beautiful, and truly charming, buildings in StL, and it sure is in need of a massive amount of love that only fundraising proceeds can buy.
As it is now, every time I drive by, all I can think of is Family Guy:
"What's a library, dad?"
"Oh, it's just a place where homeless people come to shave and go BM."
I spend a lot of time at the Main Library, and I've never had a problem with the homeless. Sure, there's always a few hanging around, but they're not disruptive or anything.
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Usually not. I was thinking more at night when they camp on the front steps. What business allows this?Framer wrote:I spend a lot of time at the Main Library, and I've never had a problem with the homeless. Sure, there's always a few hanging around, but they're not disruptive or anything.
Also, the last time I was there, there was a bum who literally smelled up an entire room. The stench was overpowering. I went to the front desk, but they didn't seem interested in doing anything about it.
Appeasers.The Central Scrutinizer wrote:Also, the last time I was there, there was a bum who literally smelled up an entire room. The stench was overpowering. I went to the front desk, but they didn't seem interested in doing anything about it.
It was a little disconcerting to walk into the basement bathroom once and see three homeless guys bathing in the sinks.
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This will change on if and when enough people care to change it.
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Main Library closing Saturday for renovation, then the heavy lifting begins
Maybe this has been discussed already, but is there any chance the glass could end up at the city museum?
Maybe this has been discussed already, but is there any chance the glass could end up at the city museum?
During my tour, I was told the glass is contaminated with lead.
They did say they'd take some of the glass and re-use it somehow in the new addition, as maybe an art piece or something along those lines.
They did say they'd take some of the glass and re-use it somehow in the new addition, as maybe an art piece or something along those lines.
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Not sure if this was already posted but this rendering is from the commerce magazine. Shows the library's north entrance proposal. The pillars are apparently standing in or next to a reflecting pool. I wish they were doing something more delicate looking next to the bulky columns of the north facade and I liked the glass atrium plan better. Maybe this will look cooler in person.
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I see a blank wall separating the sidewalk and entrance from the road. Underneath, it's dark. What's the point of this?
The construction fence is now up. Locust is closed during construction.
he ain't lying!MattnSTL wrote:The construction fence is now up. Locust is closed during construction.
The West End World has an article about the renovations. Nothing really new here, but an interesting read all the same.
Also, SLPL is soliciting literary quotations for use in various new elements in the library.
Also, SLPL is soliciting literary quotations for use in various new elements in the library.
^Nor I...
Anyway to get the SLPS kids through there on a regular basis, I wonder? I was an education major orginally and IMO the refurbished Central Library would leave a powerful impression on some of our guys and gurls...Especially the little ones...Being in that amazing library regularly would clearly communicate to students that they are apart of a larger St. Louis community that takes reading and learning very seriously...And that they are following in the footsteps of incredibly successful St. Louisans...It's so important for our kids to connect to the bigger world outside of their homes and cliques, you know...For kiddos that want to (tho most probably won't), they need to start thinking like they have something to contribute to the greater community the Cent Library represents...
Anyway to get the SLPS kids through there on a regular basis, I wonder? I was an education major orginally and IMO the refurbished Central Library would leave a powerful impression on some of our guys and gurls...Especially the little ones...Being in that amazing library regularly would clearly communicate to students that they are apart of a larger St. Louis community that takes reading and learning very seriously...And that they are following in the footsteps of incredibly successful St. Louisans...It's so important for our kids to connect to the bigger world outside of their homes and cliques, you know...For kiddos that want to (tho most probably won't), they need to start thinking like they have something to contribute to the greater community the Cent Library represents...