Auburn Avenue Research Library: Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Last week Sovereign Construction and Development had the honor and privilege of participating in the grand reopening celebration for the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History. The grand reopening took place on Thursday, August 4, 2016 and was attended by a number of community, religious, and civic leaders including Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves, Commissioner Joan P. Garner, District 4, and Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall.

The newly renovated and expanded 56,000 square foot Auburn Avenue Research Library is part of the Phase One Library Capital Improvement Building Plan. The phase one portion of the building plan included the construction of 8 new libraries, the expansion of two libraries, and the renovation of 7 libraries. J.W. Robinson & Associates, Inc. and the Freelon Group provided design and engineering services for the library. Cooper & Company General Contractors and Sovereign Construction and Development provided construction management services.  The joint venture team of Heery International and H.J. Russell & Company provided program management.

Dr. Michael Hatcher at the Auburn Avenue Research Library Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting

The renovation and expansion of the Auburn Avenue Research Library transforms the library into a welcoming destination that promotes the deep and rich history and culture of the African American experience. Moving public programs from the upper levels of the library down to the street level provides the conduit for establishing three important connections and touchpoint for the facility:

• Connection to Place: the lobby and galleries engage the street, firmly making the library’s place in the heart of the Sweet Auburn district and Atlanta’s urban core
• Connection to Experience: atria visually connect all floors, providing light and views representing upward mobility through access to knowledge
• Connection to Institutional Heritage: the new auditorium will serve as an anchor for the community

In addition to culture and history, sustainability was also a major focus for the design and construction team. The Auburn Avenue Research Library expects to achieve LEED Silver certification, which will allow for more efficient maintenance and operations activities that will have less of an impact on the environment.