Original Construction
1931
Completion Date
2001
Size
36,800 sqft

In 2001, Detroit, Michigan, celebrated its tricentennial—marking 300 years of rich history in culture, industry, and commerce. As part of this historic milestone, plans were set in motion to reopen the closed Downtown Branch of the Detroit Public Library. Originally completed in 1931 and designed by Smith, Hinchman and Grylls (now SmithGroup), the landmark was constructed in a Stripped Classic style featuring a limestone exterior, a copper standing-seam roof and fascia, and decorative bronze entrances.

The firm's scope encompassed exterior restoration, window installation, and building plan adaptations to accommodate new programmatic needs, including a branch library, special collection, and Internet lab. To ensure full compliance with current building, accessibility, and life safety codes, new fire-rated stair enclosures were introduced along with unobtrusive mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications systems. The site landscaping and hardscaping were also updated to establish fully accessible entrances.