The general renovation of the downtown Lafayette branch of Tippecanoe County Public Library includes the renovation of approximately 40,000 square feet of space and a re-design of the main building entrance to enhance visibility from the busy one-way thoroughfare out front.
The 1989 building received some interior renovations in 2005, but these were still unsuccessful in creating a bright and welcoming space for the patrons. Parabolic lighting fixtures provide adequate lighting at work height but leave a dark plane overhead. There was little color and even less whimsy in the library. A general refresh was in order.
In response Cordon Clark designed entrance elements that reach out from the flat facade to attract the attention of passersby. These include a steel arch designed to reflect the outline of the library logo. An existing monumental limestone element added a traditional touch to the building, so this was respected in the re-design. Newly enlarged glass areas within the openings add visual emphasis. The interior was brightened and modernized to make the library more inviting.
The kaleidoscopic new "magic realist" mural by artist Hiero Veiga was provided through a public art program to enhance the quality of life of underserved individuals and communities throughout North Central Indiana. This region-wide public art project features murals developed, executed, and installed in counties served by The Arts Federation. Wabash Walls increases county and regional vitality through art. Each mural is featured in a prominent county location and residents of each community develop themes and select their respective artworks and artists. Artists from around the globe have contributed their talents to this program.
The library also owns a vintage gas station adjacent to the site which houses the 24-hour library book “vending machine”. Concrete and asphalt parking areas were replaced with green space to pull the two buildings together visually through the consistent use of materials and landscaping. Its location at the corner of a major intersection announces the improved library campus to the community.
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