Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library – Main Library Renovation

Interior Architecture- Large Scale (>5,000 sf)

Project Narrative

The renovation of downtown Cincinnati’s Main Library transforms a once-inward-facing brick structure into a vibrant, welcoming destination for the community. Following an extensive outreach and planning process, the design team developed a multi-phase approach to reimagine the seven-story, 540,000-square-foot building. Key to the transformation is reconnecting the library to the surrounding urban fabric. New plazas along Vine Street strengthen the connection between key open spaces linking Washington Park and Fountain Square, inviting the public in and revitalizing the library’s presence in the city.

A major architectural intervention was the lowering of an unused elevated plaza to street level and introduction of a striking glass curtain wall. This transparent façade reveals a soaring five-story atrium, establishing a strong connection between the interior and exterior. The atrium is not just a visual centerpiece; it functions as a dynamic, flexible space capable of hosting events from intimate gatherings to 500-person concerts. This flexibility is further enhanced by a divisible meeting room and breakout spaces for smaller functions.

At the heart of the atrium is an impressive, sweeping grand staircase, which serves as both a functional and artistic feature. The first run of the stair incorporates amphitheater seating, fostering a shared experience from both Walnut and Vine Streets. Custom art-glass guardrails reflect Cincinnati’s musical heritage, featuring a unique rainbow gradient inspired by King Records vinyl spines. This colorful installation, composed of 1,602 recordings across 31 musical genres, honors the diverse communities that shape Cincinnati’s identity.

The renovation also revitalizes program spaces, relocating and enhancing the children’s play area, and integrating a Cincinnati Story Center, a designated teen zone, and numerous meeting spaces. Together, these changes ensure that the Main Library continues to be a vibrant multi-generational civic hub reinforcing its role as a central pillar of community life.