Library Design in Progress – Southern Oaks Library

Improvements Inside and Out

Oklahoma City, OK, March 31, 2011 — Architectural Design Group, Inc., an Oklahoma City-based architecture, planning, interior design and program management firm, is proud to announce that designs for improvements to Southern Oaks Library are complete and construction is slated to begin soon.

Designs for improvements to Southern Oaks Library are complete and construction is slated to begin soon. Architectural Design Group worked with the Metropolitan Library System and the City of Oklahoma City to renovate a 1970s era library on South Walker Avenue in Southern Oaks Park and near Parmelee Elementary School.

The renovation inside the building encompasses over 18,000 square feet and includes 2,000 square feet of additional building area for new private study rooms and reading lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows and park views as well as improved restroom facilities.

Interior finishes are being upgraded using a sophisticated palette of neutrals: warm greys and wood tones with splashes of color in the teen and children’s areas. New furniture and equipment will be welcome addition. New volumetric lighting fixtures will improve lighting levels in the reading areas, as well as the stacks. Children and teen areas will be expanded to accommodate more books and more computers inside these dedicated spaces. The entire heating and cooling system will be replaced and insulation is being added to make the building much more energy efficient. All the new construction complies with the American with Disabilities Act.

A new canopy and exterior treatment at the main entrance on the south will replace weathered storefront windows and doors and offer shelter to library visitors. A new brick feature wall facing the street that is designed to resemble book spines creates an attractive neighborhood landmark. Additional parking, a new meandering drive on the north side of the building through Southern Oaks Park and a new exterior drive-up book drop complete the building improvements at the popular public library.

Selection of a general contractor will be via public bid with bids due April 12th. Construction will begin in May 2011 with completion anticipated for spring 2012. Construction cost is estimated at $2.3 million. The library will operate out of a temporary home for the duration of construction. The library will move during the month of April.

For more information on Architectural Design Group, contact Anne-Marie Funk, Director of Business Development at 405.232.5700, email: afunk@adgokc.com.

For more information on the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System, visit the website: www.mls.lib.ok.us