Gilbane Building Company
Vartan Gregorian Library Renovations
Scope of Work
StudioJAED engaged in a project to restore the façade of an historic 1920s public bath house and convert it to a library and community meeting room.
Significant obstacles had to be overcome as part of this project, including:
- A floor level differential of approximately four feet between the existing elementary school and bath house
- Significant hazardous waste which had to be removed
- programming space within the existing structure to serve as a functional elementary school library
- Programming space within the building to be utilized by both the elementary school students during the day and by the community at night
- Recreation of the exterior of the building to reflect its historical significance
- Demolition of portions of the building and restoration, including structural components
- Designing connectors between the existing elementary school and bath house to allow for handicapped accessibility to all levels.
Communications with the Providence Historic District Commission, the local community, representatives of the Providence School Department and Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, and local politicians, were part of the design process and are continuing.