
Original plaster columns carefully preserved during renovation
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Designed in 1926 by noted library architect Edward Tilton as Emory
University's first separate library building, the Asa Griggs Candler
Library was for decades the center of the University's academic and
intellectual community. The mission of Candler Library Renovation and
Expansion was to restore the architectural character of Candler Library
as well as add much-needed office and classroom space near the heart
of campus.
Preserving While Modernizing
Through careful renovation and design, the Reading
Room was returned to its original grandeur while modern technology
was seamlessly integrated into the space. Along with the construction
of a two-story addition, the building's renovation provided state-of-the-art
classrooms and office space. The addition was created to replenish the
loss of usable square footage as a result of bringing the building up
to code and to fulfill the need for new space on the Quadrangle.
Another important aspect of the renovation project was the implementation
of LEED principles (Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design) throughout the design and construction of
both the renovation and the new addition. The new design creatively
adapts and recycles what had become an obsolete facility, giving it
new life. The original building itself lends strong character to its
new multi-use function, giving a building without a distinguishing function
a distinguished character.
Working Together
Composed of representatives from the College Office, Facilities Management,
Graduate School, and the Library, the Candler Library project
team has worked with the architect and the general contractor
to complete this project within a $17 million budget. With the reopening
of the Candler Library in Fall 2003, an historic jewel was returned
to the Emory community.