Leonardtown Library + Garvey Senior Activity Center
Leonardtown, Maryland
client
St. Mary's County
size
45,500 sf
type
New Construction
stats
Co-located Facility
The project co-locates a 23,000 sf public library with a 15,800 sf senior center that share about 6,700 sf in public amenity spaces such as a grand lobby, café area and meeting rooms. The community now benefits from a variety of spaces under one roof that are designed to provide a wide array of information resources, education, recreation and socialization. The main design guiding principles were flexibility and adaptability with the goal of resource sharing between the Library and Senior Activity Center.
Honoring The Bay
The volume and character of the building is meant to express one integrated facility as a metaphor for the intergenerational vibrant community it serves, and link the facility to the rich history in St. Mary’s County. The interior design and layout were inspired by the colors and textures of the Chesapeake Bay.
Teen Room With A View
The naturally-daylit teen area looks out onto a field and the forest beyond, inspiring a sustainable future. The children’s reading areas are defined by seating in the form of two ships that representing the merchant ships called the Ark and the Dove that started the Maryland colony in 1630. These ships help to remind visitors and teach children the unique history of Leonardtown and St. Mary’s County.
"Make-a-Space" Flexible
From messy to clean, or noisy to quiet, rooms in a library need to hold many functions throughout the day. Modular, multi-height tables on casters, movable furniture and durable flooring accommodate reconfiguration of rooms and spaces with minimal effort.
In addition to being visionary, practical, prompt, professional, and fun to work with, the G+P team was a delight in one other important way … G+P provided a design that met our needs within our budget.
Director, St. Mary's County Library
The Senior Activity Center offers amenity spaces for visitors of all abilities and disabilities. The site design includes pickleball courts, outdoor terraces for both the library and the senior activity center and ample parking for 140 automobiles, electric vehicle charging stations, and even a horse hitch post for the Mennonite and Amish community use!
Awards
Merit Award, Non-Residential Construction
Chesapeake Bay AIA
