Rare Books Department at the Boston Public Library – Central Branch

• Contract Value: $13,737,275

• Architect: Finegold Alexander Architects

• Owner: City of Boston

Scope of Work

Boston Building & Bridge was the general contractor for the renovation of the Rare Books Department at The Boston Public Library, Central Branch. This project was a collaboration between the Boston Public Library and the Public Facilities Department, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu, and the firm Finegold Alexander Architects. The library, designed by McKim, Meade and White in 1888.  A large addition facing Boylston Street, known as the Johnson Building, was designed By Philip Johnson and opened in 1972.

The Rare Books Department occupies approximately 25,000 SF on sections of the 4th and 5th floor levels of the Johnson Building. It houses one of the country’s most significant collections. The renovation consisted of selective demolition and new construction to establish a modern, state of the art, Rare Books Department. The work included mechanical, electrical and plumbing coordination on remaining floors. In addition, exterior alterations associated with the installation of roof-top mechanical equipment; complete water-based and clean-agent fire suppression systems; fire detection and security systems. Since this is an archival storage facility, critical attention was required to the location and operation of building systems relative to fragile books and artifacts on shelving.