• By Lee Webb
• May 07, 2019

Construction Watch: Carnegie Library

After 20 months of construction, the historic Carnegie Library will reopen on May 11 as a new Apple flagship store and home of the Historical Society of Washington. The store, with retail, event, and education components, will occupy the first floor and part of the basement. The Historical Society, including its Kiplinger Research Library, exhibitions, and administrative offices, will occupy the second floor.

On October 5, 2017, NCPC approved final plans to transform the Beaux Arts style building. Located on Mount Vernon Square, the building served as Washington’s Central Library from 1903 until 1972 when the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library opened. Constructed with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie, it was the first public library in the nation’s capital.

The project included restoration of the building’s exterior including repair and cleaning of the exterior stone; repair or replacement of windows and skylights; repair of the copper roof cladding; and removal of a non-historic skylight. The north entrance, stairs, and landing—across from the Washington Convention Center—were reconfigured. New perennials and shrubs were planted with new streetlights, benches, and signs added.

Inside a central atrium was added, the mechanical systems upgraded or replaced, and some non-original construction removed. Certain original features, including ceilings, floors, and railings were restored.

Events DC has jurisdiction over the Carnegie Library. Mount Vernon Square (Reservation 8) is federally owned and administered by the District of Columbia.