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Library Renovation and Restoration
![Exterior view at night of the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library Renovation](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web.jpg 2400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-1536x1031.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-2048x1375.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-170x114.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-80x54.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-400x269.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-600x403.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-800x537.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-1200x806.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1_21320_00_N2_web-1600x1074.jpg 1600w)
Established in 1882, the Enoch Pratt Free Library is one of the oldest public library systems in the United States with a distinguished heritage in Baltimore City. The Central Library, finished in 1933, occupies an entire city block in Baltimore’s historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood and welcomes more than half a million visitors each year to its collections. Since 1986, Ayers Saint Gross has worked with the library on projects ranging from planning, programming, renovations, highly sensitive restorations, and additions. The latest commission, an ambitious restoration and renovation of the 87-year-old Central Library, restores the facility to its Art Deco splendor while modernizing it with improved technology and space for community services and events. New spaces enable the library to live out its mission “to provide equal access to information, services, and opportunities that empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all.” This project was completed in association with Beyer Blinder Belle.
![Restored Central Hall in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web.jpg 1893w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-1536x1217.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-170x135.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-80x63.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-400x317.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-600x475.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-800x634.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-1200x951.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3_0021320_00_N6_web-1600x1268.jpg 1600w)
![Restored Central Hall in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web.jpg 1500w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-1067x1536.jpg 1067w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-1422x2048.jpg 1422w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-97x140.jpg 97w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-56x80.jpg 56w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-278x400.jpg 278w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-417x600.jpg 417w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-556x800.jpg 556w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-833x1200.jpg 833w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2_21320_00_web-1111x1600.jpg 1111w)
As part of the renewal, the limestone and granite façade was cleaned and repaired, steel windows were restored, and new lighting was installed to highlight vertical elements. The revitalized central hall, with a three-story sky lit atrium and terrazzo floors, features restored plaster walls, ceilings, and pendant lighting. Newly installed audiovisual equipment gives it renewed purpose as a town hall. Archival photographs were heavily referenced to guide both the restoration and replication of historic elements.
![Restored conversation and writing room in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web.jpg 2147w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-1536x1073.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-2048x1431.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-170x119.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-80x56.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-400x279.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-600x419.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-800x559.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-1200x838.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4_0021320_00_N24_web-1600x1118.jpg 1600w)
![Restored conversation and writing room in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web.jpg 1946w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-1536x1184.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-170x131.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-80x62.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-400x308.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-600x462.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-800x617.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-1200x925.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5_0021320_00_N25_web-1600x1233.jpg 1600w)
The original conversation and writing room’s arched window with ornamental ironwork is a striking focal point. Now repurposed as a laptop lounge, the space is occupied with contemporary furniture and public computer stations.
![Restored reading room in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web.jpg 2243w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-2048x1370.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-170x114.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-80x53.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-400x267.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-600x401.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-800x535.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-1200x802.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7_0021320_00_N16_web-1600x1070.jpg 1600w)
![Restored reading room in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web.jpg 1500w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-1040x1536.jpg 1040w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-1386x2048.jpg 1386w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-95x140.jpg 95w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-54x80.jpg 54w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-271x400.jpg 271w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-406x600.jpg 406w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-542x800.jpg 542w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-812x1200.jpg 812w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6_0021320_00_N18_web-1083x1600.jpg 1083w)
![Decorative plaster ceiling which was repaired, inpainted, and cleaned during the Enoch Pratt Free...](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web.jpg 1576w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web-1536x1462.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web-147x140.jpg 147w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web-80x76.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web-400x381.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web-600x571.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web-800x761.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8_0021320_00_N23_web-1200x1142.jpg 1200w)
Since opening, the library had undergone utilitarian alterations including the replacement of historic lighting and overpainting of decorative elements. A seamless blend of meticulous restoration and replication honors the heritage of the building. Decorative motifs discovered in ceiling exposure windows were documented and recreated while damaged plaster walls were removed and restored. Reading tables and chairs were restored and outfitted with custom bronze table lamps. Plaster ceilings were restored, and new custom pendant lighting installed.
![Teen reading and resource room in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web.jpg 2159w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-1536x1067.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-2048x1423.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-170x118.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-80x56.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-400x278.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-600x417.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-800x556.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-1200x834.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9_0021320_00_N27_web-1600x1112.jpg 1600w)
![Teen reading and resource room in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web.jpg 2252w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-2048x1364.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-170x113.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-80x53.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-400x266.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-600x400.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10_0021320_00_N28_web-1600x1066.jpg 1600w)
Additions of steel and glass partitions introduce new programmed spaces, such as classrooms within the job and career center and teen reading and resource room.
![Renovated children’s learning center at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web.jpg 1984w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-1536x1161.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-170x129.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-80x60.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-400x302.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-600x454.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-800x605.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-1200x907.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12_0021320_00_N8_web-1600x1210.jpg 1600w)
![Donor signage in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web.jpg 2250w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-170x113.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-80x53.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-400x267.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-600x400.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/14_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N8_web-1600x1067.jpg 1600w)
![Entry to the children’s learning center at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web.jpg 2195w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-1536x1050.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-2048x1400.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-170x116.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-80x55.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-400x273.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-600x410.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-800x547.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-1200x820.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/11_0021320_00_N13_web-1600x1093.jpg 1600w)
![Building signage in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web.jpg 1500w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-93x140.jpg 93w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-53x80.jpg 53w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-266x400.jpg 266w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-399x600.jpg 399w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-532x800.jpg 532w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-799x1200.jpg 799w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N7_web-1065x1600.jpg 1065w)
![Donor signage in the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web.jpg 1500w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-1048x1536.jpg 1048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-1398x2048.jpg 1398w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-96x140.jpg 96w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-55x80.jpg 55w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-273x400.jpg 273w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-409x600.jpg 409w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-546x800.jpg 546w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-819x1200.jpg 819w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/15_0021320_00_EPFL_Signage_N3_web-1092x1600.jpg 1092w)
New signage designed by Ayers Saint Gross draws inspiration from motifs found in the original building.
![Sustainable features of the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library Renovation](https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-170x96.jpg 170w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-80x45.jpg 80w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-400x225.jpg 400w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-600x337.jpg 600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-800x450.jpg 800w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-1600x900.jpg 1600w, https://ayerssaintgross.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16_0021320_00_N37_web-2400x1350.jpg 2400w)
Though less visible, the renewal of the library undertook a wide variety of sustainability initiatives. The building is LEED Silver Certified. More than 97% of the existing structural system and opaque building envelope is preserved, while contemporary MEP and glazing systems prepare the Pratt for the next generation of library staff and visitors.