Palo Alto, Children’s Library

About This Project

Location: Palo Alto, California

Architects: Architectural Resources Group

Contractors: BRCO Constructors, Inc.

About the Client: Known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is a community of approximately 61,000 residents.

Project Description: The Palo Alto Children’s Library, originally designed by noted Palo Alto architect Birge Clark, was first opened to the public in 1940. The single story, historic structure encompasses 3,400 square feet. This renovation and expansion project was designed to maintain the historic qualities of the building while adding approximately 2,900 square feet for reading areas, book shelving, and children’s activities. The existing structure was seismically upgraded, the historic tiled roof was repaired, and heating, plumbing, and lighting systems were replaced. The Secret Garden behind the library that is shared with the Palo Alto Children’s Theater was renovated with new landscaping, including a new lawn, irrigation system, and a rebuilt brick wall.

Special Features and Challenges: The new HVAC system features an underground geothermal loop heat exchange system that utilizes the constant temperature of the earth, with piping running through 20 400 feet-deep bore holes, to heat and cool the building.

Nova Partners’ Role: Nova Partners provided preconstruction services, construction management, and project close-out services to the City of Palo Alto Public Works Department.