Lorain Public Library System (LPLS) successfully passed a levy with overwhelming support from the community to expand their Avon Branch. This growing community had an undersized library that could not meet all the community’s needs. The project provided an expansion to their existing library and additional services that were desired by the City of Avon patrons such as newer technology and fabrication equipment.

Our team provided program verification services, including hosting a virtual town hall to survey the public and target their thoughts on technology for the new library. The virtual town hall included voting polls on various topics with a tremendous response from the community. Using this information, our team interpreted the data into a diagrammatic plan and, eventually, 3D renderings to express LPLS’ and the community’s vision for the addition and renovation. Another unique component of the project was the need to meet the design expectations of the Historic French Creek Zoning standards. Our team was challenged with creating an environment that is technology-forward to meet the demands of the growing number of younger families in the area while maintaining those specific zoning standards.  In addition, GPD worked closely with the City Administration to review the project’s approval process and input from the Mayor and City Architect.