Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall Lobby Renovation
Carnegie, PA

Size: 2,100 Square Feet

Services: Architecture, Interior Design

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall (ACFL) is one of only three remaining libraries in the U.S. that Andrew Carnegie endowed. Among its architectural details the scale, proportion and axial alignment convey a sense of dignity, importance and permanence.

Until recently, that permanence was imperiled. Decades of downwardly spiraling poverty left the ACFL barely able to keep its doors open. Water damage in particular was widespread and insidious.

The ACFL's fortunes turned almost 10 years ago with the launching of an ambitious capital campaign. Nearly $7 million later, the ACFL is structurally sound, weatherproof, accessible and once again the pride of Carnegie.

The first major interior improvements began in the Music Hall Lobby, including:

• Where possible, original architectural elements were restored or rebuilt.

• As the building pre-dated extensive artificial lighting, fixtures from the 1930s were restored and supplemented with indirect illumination.

• Decorative plaster was restored, including complete replacement.

• Decorative painting was restored to original color and schemes.