Jamaica Plain Branch Library - Jamaica Plain, MA

Jamaica Plain, MA Colantonio Inc. is restoring the historic Jamaica Plain Branch Library, the oldest and busiest branch of the Boston Public Library.  The 1911 building, which sits on the corner of South and Sedgwick Sts., had its last renovation in 1936.

The firm has removed, repaired and reinstalled the original, single-pane windows, the massive oak front door, the exterior steel railings and sections of the slate roofing.  They have also restored the existing ceramic tile flooring.

Current work focuses on the glass-enclosed, 2,500 s/f addition that houses the new main entry, community meeting spaces, workrooms, a makerspace and a reading terrace.  The upper section and lettering of the curtainwall is made of fritted glass, which is covered with a ceramic-coated color digital print that helps control solar heat gain and glare. The addition also features polished slab flooring.

Upgrades, including new restrooms, mechanical systems, finishes and exterior landscaping, are nearing completion.  The project is scheduled to wrap up in November, nearly three months ahead of schedule. 

The architect is Utile Design.