The historic Southeast Library has reopened on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, offering more than twice the space while preserving the century-old Carnegie building. Quinn Evans led the design of the modernization and expansion, working with Whiting-Turner as the DC Public Library’s design-build team. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined District leaders, library staff, and community members to celebrate the grand reopening of this important neighborhood library.

The new and dramatically expanded Southeast Library demonstrates how we can preserve our landmarks while at the same time adapting them for future use.

RICHARD REYES-GAVILAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DC PUBLIC LIBRARY

Because the historic 1922 library sits on a tight, irregularly shaped site, the design expands downward. The underground expansion more than doubles the space available for books, seating, study, and collaboration. A new accessible entrance and elevator connect visitors to every level, while skylights and light wells bring natural light into the spaces below ground.

This library represents the lengths our teams go to get these projects right. They had to lift a century-old building onto steel supports, dig out a new basement, and get creative about bringing in sunlight. But once you’re inside, you see that it was all worth it.

MURIEL BOWSER, MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Read the official announcement here.