Goals

Chicago-based Latinos Progresando, a leading Latino-based non-profit organization, had a long-term vision to restore the long-vacant Marshall Square public library to a community destination. The initial design intent was to reflect the surrounding community’s culture and heritage, while maintaining a sense of the building’s presence as a community anchor.

Results

Latinos Progresando and Canopy led regular community outreach sessions with neighborhood stakeholders, identifying themes of safety, welcome, and sustainability as core themes for the project.

The building’s design incorporates subtle elements to meet the needs of its community. Frosted first-floor windows allow natural light to illuminate the lobby while maintaining privacy for individuals in the waiting area who may be seeking legal or mental health services. A large conference room is also available for community residents to rent or use for group meetings or other activities.

As part of the architectural solution, we preserved the original shape of the public library, a two-story brick building with intermediate mezzanines and wrap-around windows framing the corner of the second story. By maintaining the original building instead of tearing it down and building something new, we are honoring the neighborhood history while promoting a spirit of environmental stewardship for the community to celebrate.