Architect Jennifer Charzewski, Associate Principal of Liollio Architecture of Charleston, explains the firm’s final plans for the Blythewood Library renovation to Shirley Carter, Manager of the Library, left, and Library Associate June Smith, right, during the unveiling of the plans at the library earlier this month. (Photo/Barbara Ball)
BLYTHEWOOD (Feb. 18, 2016) – The community got its first peek Feb. 6 at final plans for the renovation of the Blythewood Branch Library as well as a 2,400 square foot addition to the facility. Architects from Liollio Architecture were on hand to answer questions and explain the changes to be made to the library.
Architect Jennifer Charzewski told those gathered around the renderings that the reconfiguration of the existing space and the addition will provide for more program space, two large gathering areas, a quiet adult area, a sunroom overlooking the outdoor area to the side of the building, a children’s and family area, a nursing mothers’ room, a multi-generational computer room, a copy center, tutor room and other areas including a maker room or teen space, outdoor programming space as well as parking lot enhancements.
Focus areas in the library will include education and growth, teen engagement and arts and literature, Charzewski said.
The Town’s Board of Architectural Review granted a conditional approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project in November. The final approval will come once the Board approves the shade of grey paint to be used on the building’s exterior.
The architectural goal, Charzewski told the Board last November, is to achieve a timeless look for the 1992 building with painted brick, vertical windows and inclusion of the natural outdoor setting with the sunroom, window placement and additional trees and shrubbery.
Bids are expected to go out in March with construction to begin in May.
