LINC – Library Innovation Center

With a design inspired by the confluence of the Cache la Poudre River and the South Platte River, the new Library Innovation Center in Greeley, Colorado, offers an experience like no other. Reading, learning, innovation, arts, and community collide in this family destination. The old 42,000-square-foot Greeley Tribune building built in 1986 was completely renovated and expanded by over 20,000 square feet to create this community hub. In addition to the river of library books, key components include a children’s exhibit, event hall, classrooms, meeting and conference rooms, woodshop, 3-D printers, soundproof music/video studio, and interactive installations.

 

On Barker Rinker Seacat’s design team, 360 Engineering provided mechanical and plumbing engineering, designing a resilient HVAC system and dividing all large pieces of equipment between the north and south sides of the building so that each side would be independent of the other. Hydronic systems were designed with an extra boiler and pump so that the system maintains full operation if a boiler or pump is not functional. The system included packaged rooftop units with VAV boxes and hot water boilers, snow melt, and compressed air for machinery entering the innovation spaces. All new domestic water and waste piping was added throughout the building, a hot water system with a hot water recirculation pump running on an occupied/unoccupied schedule, ADA-compliant plumbing fixtures, restrooms, drinking fountains, bottle fillers, administration area and warming kitchen, dishwasher, icemaker connection for refrigerator, mop service basin the janitor’s closet, washer/dryer in the receiving area, plus roof drains on the addition.

 

Ceiling space was at a premium for this project, with very limited volume available above the ceilings due to the existing structure and the client’s desired ceiling heights. The roof drain design was a particular challenge, as the existing roof slopes and structure limited the space available to route the storm drainage piping at the required slopes. 360 worked closely with the architect and contractor in the 3D Revit model to ensure that the lines could remain concealed throughout the space and accommodate the new addition as it wrapped around the existing building structure. 360 also internally coordinated all of the ductwork needed to properly ventilate and condition the various spaces with this storm drainage piping, even in high occupancy spaces like the multipurpose classroom/stage area.

 

Learn about the collaboration with Weld Community Foundation and artist Sam Wes-Bruce for a special art installation:

 

Location

Greeley, CO

Owner

High Plains Library District

Client

Barker Rinker Seacat

Category

Community
Municipal/State