Providence Public Library Redevelopment

Providence Public Library Redevelopment

150 Empire St, Providence, RI

The project will address required life safety systems upgrades, as well as make major infrastructure improvements to PPL’s downtown buildings. The approximately 85,000-square foot project will transform the Library’s 1950s wing, auditorium, and special collection areas to provide 21st-century library services for Providence and Rhode Island residents.

Pending final approvals, the planned renovations of PPL’s downtown building include:

• Complete implementation of required life safety systems: fire alarm and fire protection per an approved implementation plan, in addition to major infrastructure, technology, and HVAC upgrades throughout the facility
• Repurposed and better-utilized spaces throughout the building, including providing expanded community learning venues with state-of-the-art, flexible meeting, classroom and exhibition spaces, as well as increased user-centric, quiet-study spaces

• Improved overall visitor experience through clearer circulation and a more welcoming and visible entry by way of a new, spacious atrium and open, multi-level stairway
• Upgraded and improved information/resource access and service points for all library users
• A new maker space education lab for hands-on learning and creating
• Expanded, dedicated teen space and updated Children’s Library
• Improved/expanded computing resources throughout
• Improved/expanded PPL’s Special Collections suite, including storage, research and digital preservation facilities, as well as appropriate interior environment for such
• Upgraded 300-seat Auditorium, including making it fully handicap accessible
• Exterior upgrades and window improvements to increase visibility into and out of the building