Locator Map © 2022 Google

Aerial Photo © Globetown Media

Site Plan; © SOM

Taylor Street Apartments and Little Italy Branch Library © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

Linked together by common spaces and shared uses, the project makes use of its site to activate the existing neighborhood. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

High ceilings and a predominantly glass facade open up the space, increasing visual access to the library’s interior spaces at ground-level and improving its connection to the street. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

The glass and corrugated aluminum exterior establishes a strong presence on the corner, bringing visible public amenity spaces to street level. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

The structure was built on a short time schedule and tight construction budget, but strategic siting allowed for the preservation of Taylor Street Farm, a local community garden. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

Terracotta-colored paneling marks a distinctive silhouette along Taylor Street. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

Materials were chosen carefully to accent yet not overwhelm the existing masonry and siding of the neighborhood context, sensitively adding density and height to Taylor Street.. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

A view of the circulation desk and centralized workstations for librarians and staff. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

Flexible interior spaces promote library programming such as storytime, small concerts, and exhibitions and allow for social distancing. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

The project was very cost-driven and only required the library to pay for furniture and fixtures, resulting in extensive cost savings. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

The project uses low-emissions material for all flooring, paints, and coatings. Recycled materials were used for the felt acoustic baffles in the library. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

High bay loft-like spaces enhance the library’s connection to the surrounding community while providing light and atmosphere to the interiors. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

Open workstations and tables promote collaboration and engagement amongst students. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

High-performing acoustical ceilings, the U-shaped wall of books, and a dropped canopy over the teen area help control ambient noise while providing a sense of privacy. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris

Low-income and market rate units provide housing to the neighborhood. Daylighting, natural ventilation, and dual mode heat pumps contribute to the project’s reduction in energy consumption.

Ground Floor Plan © SOM

Section Plan © SOM

The community, initially cautious of welcoming public housing to the neighborhood, has been incredibly receptive to the co-location of affordable housing with community-centered spaces. © Tom Harris Image Credit: Tom Harris