Finegold Alexander + Assoc.designs new Christa McAuliffe branch library; Lupachino/Salvatore is general contractor for 17,000 s/f

The town of Framingham and architects Finegold Alexander + Associates Inc. broke ground this fall on the new Christa McAuliffe branch library. Trustee Sam Klaidman, chairman of the building committee, said construction on the $8.6 million project is the culmination of a community effort to create a new library that honors one of its town's most famous residents. "This is an exciting moment in the town's history, and we are thrilled to begin construction on the project." This branch library is the second busiest branch public library in the state, and will encompass 17,000 s/f at 746 Water St. The building will be an L-shaped, one-story structure adjacent to the Nobscot Shopping Center and will triple the size of the current branch on Nicholas Rd. it will replace. Lupachino/Salvatore Inc. is the general contractor. The new Christa McAuliffe Branch Library has been designed for LEED Certification . Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2015. "Inspired by the spirit of Christa McAuliffe, the design creates a soaring roof in the shape of a wing, that lifts over the main reading areas for adult and children," said Tony Hsiao, principal and director of design at Finegold Alexander. "The library design will adapt to new trends in library usage, and has a large open plan that is flexible to accommodate future library space needs."