{"id":5572,"date":"2016-07-11T09:47:52","date_gmt":"2016-07-11T13:47:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.consigli.com\/?p=5572"},"modified":"2020-12-09T11:05:51","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T16:05:51","slug":"consigli-construction-celebrates-boston-public-librarys-grand-re-opening-of-the-central-library-in-copley-square","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.consigli.com\/consigli-construction-celebrates-boston-public-librarys-grand-re-opening-of-the-central-library-in-copley-square\/","title":{"rendered":"Consigli Construction Celebrates Boston Public Library\u2019s Grand Re-Opening of the Central Library in Copley Square"},"content":{"rendered":"

BOSTON, MA \u2013 <\/strong>Consigli Construction Co., Inc. joined Mayor Martin Walsh for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand reopening of the Johnson building at the Boston Public Library\u2019s Central Library in Copley Square. The $78 million project was completed in two phases and focused on recognizing the vision of the original architect Philip Johnson while putting the facility on the cutting edge of library services \u2013 reshaping and redefining the patron experience at a 21st<\/sup> century urban public library.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Boston Public Library is a major piece of our city\u2019s distinguished history and one that continues to provide a service to thousands of residents in our community every day,\u201d said Matthew Consigli, President of Consigli Construction Co., Inc. \u201cWe\u2019re honored to have completed this beautiful renovation project featuring complex engineering and a design that will be enjoyed for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reopening of the Central Library\u2019s Johnson building ensures a bright future for all who seek educational opportunities through utilizing the services of this grand civic space,\u201d said Mayor Walsh. \u201cI am grateful to all who contributed to this project and I am confident library patrons and visitors will love the enhancements.\u201d<\/p>\n

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(The Johnson building at the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square. Photography by D. Phillips Studios.)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe goal of the renovation was to reinvent both our building and our library services as inviting, dynamic, and modern, to be responsive to twenty first century urban civic life and to strengthen the Central Library and its connection to the City,\u201d said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. \u201cWe are proud to welcome everyone, from near and far, to celebrate a new era of library service in Copley Square.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first phase of the renovation, which opened in February 2015, included a colorful Children\u2019s Library with books and media, early literacy and story time space, a tween corner, and flexible program space; Teen Central, a distinctive and media-friendly space with books, digital lab, media lounge, a dedicated quiet zone, and homework and hangout booths; refreshed and reorganized nonfiction collections and reference services; and an adult reading area and workspace for individuals and groups.<\/p>\n

In order to fully realize the project\u2019s design intent to create a broader opening and concourse between the Johnson and McKim buildings, Consigli tore down a support wall that separated the two buildings. To do so required Consigli to first support the McKim\u2019s fragile, century-old masonry brick wall while at the same time propping up the first and second floor with heavy duty mast shoring and structural steel. Consigli self-performed the metal shoring.<\/p>\n

Highlights of the second phase of the renovation include:<\/p>\n