Bing Thom and Weinceck Named Woodridge Library Architects

DC Public Libraries have announced the architects who will design the newest branch:

The DC Public Library has selected the award-winning team of Weinceck + Associates and Bing Thom Architects to design the new Woodridge Neighborhood Library. Located at 1801 Hamlin St. NE, the new building will be the first library in the United States designed by internationally acclaimed architect Bing Thom.


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"We have been fortunate to have talented and internationally recognized architectsdesign libraries for the District," said Ginnie Cooper, chief librarian for theDistrict of Columbia. "With this architect team, the District's new libraries will continue to inspire people in the city's neighborhoods as well as around the world."

The design team was selected through a competitive bid process that involved Library officials and community members. Weinceck + Associates has worked on a broad range of projects, including housing, schools, and master planning. Thefirm also served as the architect of record for the Francis Gregory and Bellevue libraries. Bing Thom Architects designed the renovation and expansion of Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. In addition, the firm designed the innovative Surrey City Centre Library in Surrey, British Columbia.

The Library has allocated $1.48 million to the design work. The design phase is expected to take six to eight months. The community will have the opportunity to view the designs as they are developed and provide feedback. The total project cost is estimated to be $16.5 million.

The Woodridge Library opened in 1958. A condition assessment performed in 2010 found the library to be in need of replacement.

An interim library will open in late 2012 while the Woodridge Library is being rebuilt. The new Woodridge Library will open in 2015. The new library will include: space for 80,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other library materials; 32 public-access computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access; a large meeting room for up to 100 people and two conference rooms for up to 14 people.

Like allother library buildings under construction a LEED Silver Certification is expected. Anacostia, Dorothy I.Height/Benning, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw and Tenley libraries have received Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute.