People Palace

The John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. Library was built in 1918 and is located at 675 Santa Fe Drive in Denver. The 4,600 SF building is comprised of two levels as are most Carnegie branches of this vintage. The project focus was to update the building infrastructure and make adjustments to the space to increase functionality and reinforce the goal for an inclusive community. The exterior was also enhanced with new paint and a new roof.

This renovation provided a refreshed community room with much-needed storage, built-in seating, and a sink to increase the ability to expand programming to “messier” activities. The staff were afforded a functional staff work room and a dedicated restroom. The two existing restrooms were completely renovated, and one is spacious and ADA compliant. Amenities like a bottle-filling water fountain were also added.

The reading room on the first floor was updated to restore the original location of a central stair to provide additional access to the lower level. The new service points allow staff to serve the customers with ease. We also created a vibrant and contemporary teen space. An interactive ball wall art installation was designed by the Children’s Museum and funded by the Constellation Grant, transforming the children’s area in a dramatic fashion.

Post-renovation, the overall feel of the building is more vibrant, infusing the historic building with a contemporary flair.