Maplewood Memorial Library Renovation
and
Expansion
Maplewood, NJ
In collaboration with Sage & Coombe Architects, Kohler Ronan is pleased to have provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire-protection engineering services for the newly renovated Maplewood Memorial Library. Originally built in 1956, the pre-existing library no longer met the evolving needs of the community and became the focus of a comprehensive renovation.
The redesign and expansion, undertaken by Sage & Coombe, resulted in a one-of-a-kind civic space. The building now totals approximately 33,000 square feet, nearly 33% larger than the original footprint. The renovation respects the existing historic masonry structure while introducing a full second floor, improved access to the adjacent Maplewood Memorial Park, and several new civic-oriented features. Among these are a reading terrace and outdoor plaza, dedicated children’s, teen, and community spaces, flexible meeting and study rooms, a Maker Space equipped with 3-D printers, and a 200-person community room with its own entrance.
The library now operates as a fully electric building with a rooftop photovoltaic array designed to generate more than half of its energy needs. Sustainability and resilience were prioritized throughout the design, including drainage and waterproofing measures to mitigate flood risk, elevated mechanical and electrical systems to prevent flood damage, birdsafe fritted glazing, and native landscaping that supports local biodiversity. This facility is truly prepared to fulfill its mission as a 21st-century civic hub.
Architect: Sage & Coombe Architects
Photography: © Chuck Choi Architectural Photography
