The 8th an 9th floors of the existing downtown Library Square building was redeveloped to create a new public gallery and presentation space, in addition to an outdoor gathering area.

Combined, levels 8 and 9 offer an additional 42,635 sq. ft. of interior space. Level 8 accommodates a sky-lit double-height space with a grand stair and seating feature, which can be used for lectures, receptions, and other gatherings.  It also contains an auditorium, (80 seat theatre) a reading room, and the relocated administration offices.

On Level 9, nearly one third of the existing building was deconstructed to make way for a public garden terrace with panoramic views of the city skyline.  The remaining interior space on Level 9 features several meeting and event rooms for public use.   The entire floor was designed in such a way to create free-flow circulation and visual transparency between the interior and exterior.

Project Scope

Rocky Point provided mechanical system design for the plumbing and mechanical systems which integrated with the existing Library Square mechanical systems to provide a high level of comfort, air quality and energy efficiency. The previous mechanical systems on level 8 were experiencing comfort issues which were resolved as part of the upgrade.

• New washrooms on levels 8 and 9 were connected to existing services below the raised access floor;
• Sprinkler heads were relocated to coordinate with the new wall and reflected ceiling layout. Library Square sprinkler piping is run within the raised access floor space. The existing raised floor was upgraded with new displacement ventilation grilles and zone dampers to provide additional controls;
• A new perimeter heating and fan coil system within the raised floor was also introduced to improve comfort, air quality and energy performance during shoulder season;
• New DDC system controls were provided for all new mechanical equipment and connected to the existing building’s control system.

The new auditorium was provided with a separate ventilation and cooling system and connected to the existing building central heating/cooling plant.