Louisville Free Public Library Northeast Regional Library Branch Louisville, Kentucky

Services Provided

Sustainable Design
Landscape Architecture
Construction Documentation

People Involved

Andy Knight
Ryan Blume

Awards

LEED Gold
2023 AIA/ALA Library Building Award
2020 American Architecture Award

Preserving a 21st century library site’s heritage while adding modern concepts, inside and out

MKSK worked closely with Louisville Metro and the Louisville Free Public Library to plan and design a new 40,000-square-foot regional library in northeast Louisville. The site was historically an old farmhouse that had been salvaged throughout the years as suburban office parks developed around its context. The planning and design team made the decision early in the process to honor the existing estate structure and embrace the surrounding landscape composed of several large heritage shade trees and a gently rolling topography.

MKSK worked closely with the JRA Architects led design team to place the building on the site in a position that took advantage of sun orientation and was located on axis with the historic farmhouse. The farmhouse was incorporated into the project and serves as administration offices and a coffee house for the new library, promoting the space as a destination in the community.

The design of the spaces adjacent to the building express an inside-out and outside-in approach. Expansive views are provided for library patrons and park visitors, and the building is designed to participate as a pavilion in the park. The new library is also home to a Maker Space, a new concept for libraries in Louisville and throughout the Midwest. These spaces, inside and out, are designed to be flexible and multipurpose, allowing for participants to roll their sleeves up and create.

Spaces were designed to express an inside-out and outside-in approach that promotes walkability, outdoor reading areas, and interaction with the landscape.