Fairfax County selected Bowie Gridley Architects to undertake a Feasibility Study/Concept Design for the renovation and expansion of the John Marshall Library in Alexandria, VA. In addition to traditional library services, this space is a vital community resource that provides access to information, meeting space and venues for community events. The library was constructed in 1975 and was in dire need of modernization. The design for the renovation celebrates John Marshall Library’s role in the community by dramatically opening up the exterior of the building to showcase the interior spaces, and creating a new entrance that welcomes visitors.
The renovated building includes improved collections and seating areas, quiet and group study rooms, and expanded staff work areas. All HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems were completely redone to modern standards and all interior room finishes and furnishings were provided. The design features light-filled, extra-high spine that connects all the main functions of the building, and establishes a modern, welcoming feel along the street. The project is pending USGBC LEED Silver certification approval.
Archive for the ‘Community’ Category
John Marshall Library
Friday, May 3rd, 2019Mercersburg Academy Alumni Welcome Center
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016The residentially scaled project is the combination of a renovation to and addition of an existing white brick 1930’s American Foursquare style house with classical ornament, once the Head of School’s residence. The multi-use project roughly doubled the size of the original 6,000 sf residence. The Center’s program includes enclosed offices and open work stations for Alumni and Development Departments, multi-purpose gathering, dining, and meeting spaces on the main floor, overnight guest rooms for visiting alumni, and a 1,450 sf outdoor terrace for receptions and events.
Dolley Madison Library
Thursday, October 13th, 2011BGA addressed community needs by enhancing the library and it’s connection to the surrounding park.
- Added a reading room, children’s reading area, staff workroom, circulation desks and community meeting rooms
- The design takes advantage of wooded site with views of the forest at McLean Central Park
- The project incorporated sustainable features such as a green roof, efficient and renewable energy, resource conservation and recycling, low environmental impact and an environmental education program and is LEED Gold certified
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Black Rock Center
Tuesday, December 28th, 2010This new cultural arts center serves as the centerpiece of the Town Center development in Germantown, Maryland.
- The project was designed to reflect the rural heritage of the site while providing modern facilities for entertainment and events
- In the main lobby space, custom cast monoliths and terrazzo floor, designed by artist Thomas Sayre, celebrate the agrarian heritage
- The first phase of work included a 210-seat proscenium theater, a 105-seat studio theater, dance studio, gallery, scene shop, green room, box office, art classrooms, and administrative offices
- An outdoor stage on the Town Square provides for summer performances
- A future second phase will add an additional 500-seat theater and support spaces
Barcroft Sports Complex
Tuesday, December 28th, 2010After a public design to evaluate two potential sites for a new community recreation center, Arlington County Parks and Recreation commissioned Bowie Gridley Architects to plan and design the project.
- The new complex houses the community’s gymnastics and boxing programs and provides other wellness programs for the neighborhood
- The facility features a multipurpose gymnasium, a gymnastics area and a boxing area
- The center also includes an aerobics studio, weight room, men’s and women’s locker rooms, storage space and administrative offices for a total area of 28,000 square feet
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Savoy Elementary School
Monday, December 27th, 2010The modernization of Savoy includes complete renovation of an existing 3-story, 58,000 gsf school plus the addition of a new gymnasium, library/media center, multi-purpose room/cafeteria, administrative offices, and a new playground.
- The design provides a new entry with improved site orientation, and enlarged classroom spaces
- Features improved utilization of remaining portions of the building and underground parking for 40 cars
- BGA’s design team employed many sustainable design strategies including specified construction practices, site improvements that permit bicycle storage and changing areas, use of regionally produced materials, and commissioning to attain LEED Gold certification
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Wakefield High School
Sunday, December 27th, 2009Arlington Public Schools commissioned Bowie Gridley Architects to design a replacement facility for Wakefield High School. BGA conducted a feasibility study and worked with APS to develop a site solution that would address the educational specifications. Subsequently, the firm was authorized to provide full design services for the new 338,000 sf replacement high school as well as a new aquatics center. The design reflects current standards for a school population of 1,600 students and features a large student commons that establishes a symbolic center or “heart” for the school, complimented by smaller, informal gathering areas. Administrative spaces are distributed throughout the building to encourage student/adult interaction. The school, which incorporates many sustainable design features, achieved LEED-NC Gold certification.
