CREW Blue Ribbon Awards Program Book 2024

Hotchkiss Library of Sharon Sharon, CT

Owner : Town of Sharon, CT Project Size : 6,600 SF Project Team: QA+M Architecture, Kronenberger and Sons Restoration, Inc., Action Air Systems, Inc., Bullock Access, Gargiulo Construction Co., Inc., J. E. Shea Electric, Inc., M. Brett Painting Company, Inc., Omni Environmental, LLC, Construction, Inc., Three Leaf Landscaping, LLC, White Dog Woodworking, LLC Working with an outstanding building committee, an addition was designed in which the exterior massing is subordinate to the overall massing of the library and is respectful to the adjacency of the historic building. We chose complementary materials and forms, such as the masonry arch that delineates the new entrance, the pitch of the new roof pitch, and a fascia and soffit that echo the existing. The “stone” material (cast stone) is slightly lighter and smoother than original rusticated stone to harmonize but not copy. The same approach was taken with the new roof- the gray zinc material relates to the slate roof but feels a bit more contemporary. The addition also contains a main circulation desk, handicap accessible toilet rooms, a staff workroom with kitchenette, and a librarian’s office. Technology upgrades were made, including computer workstations for library patrons and laptop charging stations. The AV system was upgraded to allow presentation in the library’s “nave” space. New energy efficient LED recessed and pendant lights were installed. Fixtures were selected to either “disappear” or harmonize with the architecture. New custom wall sconces were installed at the perimeter of the mezzanine to replicate fixtures shown in an antique photograph. Great care was taken to not over-restore- woodwork was cleaned and oiled, but not stripped and refinished. Built in 1893, the Hotchkiss Library was a gift to the Town of Sharon by Maria Bissell Hotchkiss in memory of her late husband, Benjamin. Through the restoration and expansion project, the library has been brought into the 21st Century and now functions as a modern library and community resource. Restoring and expanding this important building designed by a revered architect in nearly pristine condition, beloved by the community and staff, came with its challenges. It needed to be modified in a way that would allow the building to meet a modern library’s needs of community space, technology, staff workrooms, and handicap accessibility. It was important to design an addition that would look appropriate to the building while not being mistaken as part of the original fabric: complementary, not seamless.

18