Glendale Branch Library
Previously located in a shopping mall, the Glendale Branch Library moved to a new standalone building on the former site of the John Strange Elementary School. This branch is one of five projects within the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Capital Project Plan where Guidon provided engineering services. Serving as the structural engineer, our team utilized a steel structure with hot-rolled steel and bar joist framing, with more than half of the building resting on the existing foundations. Guidon also provided sustainability consulting to guide this innovative design approach, which preserved the site’s history and contributed to the project’s sustainability goals.
The Indianapolis Public Library aimed for LEEDv4 Silver accreditation, but through energy efficiency measures and the integration of solar panels, the project achieved LEED Gold and realized a remarkable 79.4% reduction in energy costs. Indoor water use has been reduced by 37.42%, and there is no irrigation system onsite due to the use of native plantings. The new design, which includes retaining old-growth trees and adding new plantings, is sequestering over 200% more carbon compared to the previous site.
The building features electric vehicle chargers in the parking lot and incorporates biophilic design elements such as live plants, abundant natural daylight, and material choices that mimic nature. A TV monitor will display energy savings year-round, highlighting the building’s commitment to sustainability.
Additional features of the project include an outside seating area for warm weather months, which will host events such as story time for families. Stained glass panels, donated by local artisan Fox Art Studios, adorn the meeting room wall and depict previous Glendale locations. The children’s section features “Harrison’s Orbit,” a corner dedicated to Harrison Strader Wood, a 17-month-old who frequented the previous Glendale location. This space-themed area includes murals of Harrison as an astronaut and his favorite book characters, as well as a plaque with his photo and story in the window seat.
Sustainability is evident in every aspect of this project, from the innovative structural design to the thoughtful incorporation of sustainable practices and community-focused features.
