Georgetown University’s Lauinger Library Booth Family Center for Special Collections re-opened its doors on March 23rd. Mark Dimunation, Chief, Rare Book and Special Collections Division at the Library of Congress delivered the keynote address during the opening celebration.  Designed by Bowie Gridley Architects, the renovated 7,000 sf facility houses the special collections in a specialized climate-controlled environment. The University’s special collections include archives, manuscripts, rare books and art collection. A new cooling and heating system and a separate HVAC and fire suppression systems were designed to provide improved conditions for the collections. The special collections area was also given a new face with an upgraded entryway, classrooms, reading room and offices.

For more information about the special collections, visit the Library’s website at www.library.georgetown.edu/special-collections/collections

The Woodrow Wilson Library, a branch of the Fairfax County Public Library system,  re-opened its doors to the public after  a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on March 21st.  Designed by Bowie Gridley Architects and constructed by Rand Construction Corporation, the renovated library establishes a modern, welcoming feel along Knollwood Drive in Falls Church, Virginia.   A new light-filled spine relocates the entrance closer to the parking lot and connects all the main functions of the building.  The 14,420 sf building includes improved collections and seating areas and day-lighting in all public areas.  The library boasts improved access to expanded meeting rooms, quiet and group study rooms, after-hours access to meeting room facilities, and an integrated mechanical system. Designed and constructed to be certified by the Leadership Energy and Environment Design Guidelines (LEED®), the library includes building materials with high recycled content, a roof made of reflective materials to reduce cooling costs, and an efficient air ventilation system. “The renovated Woodrow Wilson Library is a beautiful, light-filled building. It will not be long before every seat is taken and the conference rooms booked with people reading, studying, having fun, connecting with each other and just enjoying this vibrant library so valued by the community,” said Fairfax County Supervisor Penny Gross.

For more information about the Opening Celebration, visit the Library’s website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ww.

The Edward St. John Student Center at McDonogh School in Owings Mills, MD, designed by Bowie Gridley Architects (BGA), has been recognized with a 2015 Award of Excellence from the Baltimore Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).  The Award was presented to the Mullan Contracting Company for outstanding work in the construction of the Student Center.

The Edward St. John Student Center establishes the southern edge of a new campus quadrangle, while becoming the school’s new front door. Designed as a center for campus activity, the new Student Center provides a variety of campus dining spaces, including a 650-seat grand Dining Hall, as well as facilities for student services, administration and the Visual and Performing Arts programs.

ABC (www.abcbaltimore.org) the Baltimore Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, is a national non-profit construction trade association working to promote the interests of merit shop contracts.

The Mullan Contracting Company (www.mullancontracting.com) headquartered in Lutherville, MD is a full-service construction management and general contracting firm specializing in the commercial office, retail, hospitality, healthcare and institutional industries.