Pursuing a mission to “connect people and ideas,” the Yolo County Library faced a critical community decision—to renovate and enlarge a historic structure or build from the ground up? WMB guided extensive public engagement that established community consensus to build a new library designed to reflect the essence of the original 1916 Craftsman-style structure.
The design orchestrates the proportion and expression of exterior details to recall the historic character within a new high-performance building envelope. The team gave voice to community memories with the salvage, reuse, and interpretation of character-defining elements. Introducing a fireplace at the heart of the floor plan reimagines a particularly memorable feature of the historic structure as a new focus for a community living room. The interior sensitively balances the warmth and charm of the Craftsman style with the functional needs of a modern library. Sliding doors allow the small building to adapt to suit varying event needs by connecting with adjacent indoor and outdoor community spaces.
More than a building, the project offers a distinct sense of place within a small town—a destination for meaningful community connections. Whether enjoying public art installations or large gatherings in the plaza, the new Yolo County Library is a safe space for sharing ideas and experiences.
Client
Yolo County
Location
Yolo, Ca.
Project Type
Community
Size
3,800 sf
Services
Programming
Project Alternative Analysis
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Community Outreach
Cost Estimating
Construction Documents
Permit Coordination
Construction Contract Support
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