alvah n. Belding memorial library

Location
Belding, MI
Original Construction
1918
Construction Cost
$3,000,000
Size
8,500 sqft; 6,000 sqft addition
Completion Date
2007
National and State Register of Historic Places

The Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library is a fine example of the Beaux-Arts Classical Style. Given to the city of Belding by Alvah Belding, whose father and uncle owned the silk mills that made the city famous, as a memorial for his family, the building has an exterior of Indiana limestone, topped with a green tile roof. The interior contains Georgia marble, Vermont Verde Antique marble, and oak and cypress woodwork throughout.

HopkinsBurns Design Studio began its long-term relationship with the library as Architects Four in 1997, preparing a feasibility study to determine how ADA requirements could be incorporated into the building. In 1999, the team developed schematic designs for the restoration of the building, as well as a 6,000 square foot addition for improving programming and expanding services. The services of JJR were utilized to sensitively integrate the addition into the site by utilizing the Flat River as a visual asset.

The large two-story expansion and original building restoration created space for the nonfiction and reference collection, large reading areas, and a greater children’s library. The restoration of the existing building focused on improving handicapped accessibility as well as upgrading life safety to meet current codes. It ultimately preserved all of the original materials throughout the library with minimal modifications, limited to the addition of an elevator, a new barrier-free ramp, new accessible toilet rooms, and upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems to accommodate new heating and cooling throughout the building. HopkinsBurns' services included a full furnishings and equipment package.

The project was funded by a combination of private donations obtained through a capital campaign and a loan from the USDA Rural Development program.