UPDATED: Renovators of Highland Park Library earn architecture award

by PegNews wire

Komatsu Architecture in Fort Worth recently received the Texas Historical Commission 2007 Preservation of Excellence award. Approximately six months ago, the firm completed a renovation of the Highland Park Library, which originally opened in 1930. The renovation has provided a return to the original ambiance and provides library patrons a more enjoyable and spacious environment. The cost of the project was $2,444,170, all of which was raised from community donors.

Several things were done to restore the character that had been taken away from the building. The ceilings (which had earlier been dropped) were re-raised, making available to the eye the beauty of the ceiling and coffered molding as well as revealing the tops of the arched windows. The interior also features Spanish Moorish tiling throughout the facility, from the three fireplaces, to the stair risers, and on the floors. Dallas based Eyecon was commissioned to paint a 24”-high mural around the children's room. This mural is representative of things throughout the Town of Highland Park. At each room entryway the name of the room is stenciled in calligraphy. The children’s room also has a beautiful puppet theater designed to resemble the town’s 1924 Lang and Witchell Town Hall. It includes replicas of the tower and red clay tile roof. Cherry wood bookshelves throughout the library create a cozy and inviting reading area. Several windows upstairs were also reopened, providing me natural light inside, as well as curb appeal from the outside.

Source: Komatsu Architecture