(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser cut the ribbon on the new West End Library at 2301 L Street, NW in Ward 2. West End Square 37, which includes the new West End Library, is a 325,000 square-foot multi-use building with ground floor retail and 164 residences. The first phase of the West End Project, West End Square 50, was completed in May 2017 and serves as the home for DC Fire and EMS Engine 1 and an all-affordable housing complex of 55 units. The Mayor was joined at today’s ribbon-cutting by Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner, DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan, local elected officials, and Library trustees.
“Our libraries are so much more than just buildings – they are community spaces and opportunities for lifelong learning,” said Mayor Bowser. “With the West End project we have delivered not only housing and job opportunities, but also a community benefit that will serve generations to come.”
The West End Library is the seventeenth District library to be renovated or rebuilt as part of the system’s transformation. The new 21,000 square-foot library features:
- community spaces for adults, teens, and children;
- seating for 200 people;
- 40 public access computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access;
- a large programming room for up to 100 people;
- a conference room for 14 people; and
- five quiet study rooms.
“The new West End Library continues DC Public Library’s tradition of delivering dramatic and iconic destinations for community learning,” said Director Reyes-Gavilan. “While the new West End represents our seventeenth new or fully renovated library in the District, it represents our first constructed as a result of a public-private partnership – a model the Library is open to exploring for future projects.”
The West End Library’s interior was designed by CORE architecture + design, a Georgetown-based firm. Developer EastBanc, Inc. and the DC Public Library selected the firm because of their experience designing library spaces. The exterior and the remainder of the project was designed by TEN Arquitectos with WDG serving as the Architect of Record.
“Today’s ribbon cutting is an example of what can happen when public and private entities come together to meet our common goals,” said Deputy Mayor Kenner. “The West End Library and Fire Station projects were a special collaboration among DMPED, District agencies, and the private sector to deliver the best economic and community benefit possible for the West End neighborhood.”
The West End Square 37 project was led by the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and developed by EastBanc, JBG Smith and Clark Enterprises.