Donald Powers Architects designs 24,000 s/f Tiverton public library

Donald Powers Architects (DPA) completed schematic design for a new, 24,000 s/f public library, which was recently presented by the Library Committee to the Tiverton Town Council in advance of a public referendum scheduled for November. This was the first public presentation of the library's design. Due to the active integrated programming and design process that DPA facilitated during schematic design, the library is already well on its way to achieve a LEED Gold rating. The library will include a community meeting hall, café, children's library, teen room and exterior public courtyard spaces. Situated on the site of an existing farm near the intersection of Crandall Rd. and Bulgarmarsh Rd., the project is a cornerstone for a growing community. Located adjacent to town recreational fields and sharing an entrance with a newly constructed mixed-use artists' cooperative, and within close proximity to the middle school and high schools, the library will be designed as the primary meeting place and neighborhood focal point for this growing community of 17,000 people. Though the total project estimate is approximately $11 million, The Library Trustees and Building Committee have been successful in minimizing the financial obligation of the town through an effective grant writing program, capital campaign process as well as a 50% state match through OLIS (Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services). "It is very gratifying to be able to help a community envision such an important component of their community life - and to be offered an opportunity do so in a way that is civically responsible and sustainable at every level is a wonderful charge" said Douglas Kallfelz, AIA, LEED AP. Kallfelz is the principal in charge and lead designer for the library at Donald Powers Architects. Donald Powers Architects is a national, award-winning planning and architecture firm located in Providence. With a growing office of 13 designers, architects and planners, the DPA studio focuses on the design of exceptional communities. The firm's portfolio includes traditional neighborhood design, civic and institutional buildings, commercial, and residential architecture. With projects active in Arkansas, Mass., New York, Virginia and Washington State, DPA has developed a national reputation for distilling the nuances of local character combined with a traditionally inspired view of sustainability, economy and simplicity.