Minneapolis Central Library
The Minneapolis Central Library is organized in two wings and joined by a bridged glass galleria that functions as public space.
Lead Contact
Project Details
Project Partners
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
Owner
Minneapolis Public Library
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Completion Date
Area
530,700 ft²
Number of Stories
5
Overview
The Minneapolis Central Library is part of a two-block, mixed-use development. The library, which houses a 2.5-million-item collection, features 530,700 square feet in five stories with two levels of below-grade parking. Organized in two wings, respective parts of the library are joined by a bridged glass galleria that functions as public space. Retail, gallery and book storage space are included in the development.
We provided structural design services to Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects for the library, which opened in 2006.
Highlights
- The reinforced concrete frame of the building allows flexible arrangement of book stacks and partitions, while the exposed concrete ceilings create abundant floor-to-ceiling height. Mechanical and electrical systems are hidden in a raised floor surface.
- The structure is designed to accommodate a steel-framed, domed planetarium planned above the fourth floor of the north wing.
- Two cantilevered galleries and use of architectural concrete finishes for the interior of the building were unique design challenges.
Our Team
