ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Central Library Transformation Continues With Annex Demolition
January 31, 2003
A new phase in the $104 million transformation of Central Library downtown (40 E. St. Clair Street) has begun with the demolition of the five-story annex connected to the east of the original historic structure.
The two-week process of removing the annex, constructed in 1975, will be followed by the demolition of the northern portion of the original building which housed Central's book stacks.
The annex was home to the Library's Riley Room for Children; the Business, Science and Technology Service Section; and various administrative offices.
The Central Library project involves the construction of a 236,000-square foot, six-story glass-framed addition that will wrap around the original building from the north. An atrium will link the new and original buildings.
Minor renovations, mainly involving the front entrance, will be performed on the main library building constructed in 1917. However, none of the construction will alter the Greek Doric style of architect Paul Cret's design which was listed in Masterpieces of Architecture in the United States in 1930.
The transformed Central Library is scheduled to open in early 2006. Until then, downtown library services are being provided at the Interim Central Library, 202 N. Alabama Street.
The new facility will feature a Family Information Center, which will provide exciting new programming and technology to introduce young people to an array of learning resources. Another highlight will be the Indianapolis Room, a special collections room that will display materials relating to the people and history of Indianapolis.
Also planned are an underground parking facility for over 400 vehicles and a circular auditorium.
