M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s wi th

HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD MEETING

October 2, 2014
REDEVELOPMENT OF C ARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
PROGRAM
Renovate Carnegie Library - 63,000 sf
New offices for Historical Society of Washington DC
Event Spaces for Events DC and Spy Museum
Offices for Events DC and Spy Museum
Add Underground Space - 47,000 sf
Spy Museum Exhibits
Spy Museum Educational Spaces
Mechanical and Support Spaces
The Carnegie Library currently serves two functions as a
home for the Historical Society of Washington, DC and as a
venue for special events managed and operated by Events
DC. Its former reading rooms have been converted into public
spaces under a past renovation and now house a theater, a
library, special event rooms and a gallery. The current program
spaces also include back of house service, office and storage
rooms.
This project proposes to continue use of the building for
Events DC and the Historical Society of Washington DC, as
well as to add several significant new programs - the Spy
Museum, a Visitor Center and a caf to reinvigorate the
Carnegie Library as a destination within the District.
As illustrated in the diagrams below, the three primary
users will share access to and use of the Carnegie Library
(63,000 sf). A new addition (65,000 sf) will accommodate
new cultural, educational and public programs. It locates the
majority of Spy Museum exhibits underground, adding two
pavilions above ground for new public spaces including a
museum retail store, Visitor Center and caf. This project also
proposes a comprehensive redevelopment of Mount Vernon
Square to improve public amenities.
M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s 2
63,000 GSF
CARNEGIE LIBRARY NEW ADDITION
65,000 GSF
1 Civic Space
2 South Entry Plaza
3 Discovery Space
4 North Gardens
Renovate Mount Vernon Square - 2.3 Acres
1 Visitor Center and Caf
2 Spy Museum Retail
Add Public Space at Grade - 18,000 sf
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2
2
3
4
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REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
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C OMPLEMENTARY AND RESONANT
To achieve a unified composition of the two buildings, the new
addition acknowledges the presence of Carnegie Library in its
formal parti and its component parts. Guided by the Beaux-
Arts planning principles of the original Carnegie Library, a
series of existing and new public spaces are organized along
a primary and secondary axes.
The architectural character of the new addition contrasts with
Carnegie Library in order to reinforce the defining character of
each.
M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
REVISED CONCEPT - HPRB MEETING 05.22.2014
Through the spring of 2014, the concept design of the project
evolved in response to comments received from various
reviewing agencies and the public. At the May 22 HPRB
meeting, the Design Team presented a revised concept that
included a reallocation of the program into two separate
building additions to expose the entire historic north faade
of the Carnegie Library. Moving the Visitor Center from the
middle to the east side achieved an open space and new
staircase for entrance to the Library from the north, as well as
allowed for a more generous sidewalk along Mt. Vernon Place.
ORIGINAL CONCEPT - FALL 2013

The concept design initially presented to NCPC and the
Commission of Fine Arts placed publicly-oriented program
elements in a single pavilion-like addition that stretched
across the historic north facade of the Library, allowing interior
connections between them. Light, airy and transparent, the
addition both resonated with and complemented the heavy
masonry of the Library. Whereas the spaces of the library
were defined by its solid walls, the volumes of the proposed
addition were defined by a sculptural roof and loggia that
unified the three sections of the addition.
The massing of the additions was developed to consist of
more distinct volumes - taller pavilions pushed out towards
the edges of the site and lower hyphen buildings connecting
the pavilions to the historic Library. The development of the
pavilions and hyphens helped to reinforce the Beaux-Arts
symmetry and massing of the original Library design. Also,
the loggia was removed to reduce the apparent massing,
improve sight lines to the historic facades of the Library
beyond, and encourage the desired transparency to the retail
and public spaces.
4
REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
MASSING
PRESERVATION
SITE
RESONANCE
- The geometry of the pavilions is clarified
and simplified
- The hyphens are reduced to transparent
connecting corridors between the Library
and the pavilions
- The hyphens are reconceived as
colonnaded, glass-enclosed corridors
that provide transparency to the
historic north facades of the Library
- The pavilions are shifted towards the
edges of site to preserve the presence of
all sides of the historic Library
- Service lay-bys are reduced significantly
- New garden rooms make the north
landscape more park-like than streetscape
- New massing provides visual connection
through the addition between north and
south parts of the site
- Pavilions are re-oriented east-west and
proportions are modified
The Design Team has continued to refine the conceptual
design in response to the comments and concerns expressed
by Section 106 consulting parties, included in the SHPO staff
report, expanded on by HPRB at the May 22 hearing, and
discussed in follow-up meetings with SHPO staff.
VIEW LOOKING EAST
RESPONSE TO SECTION 106 COMMENTS, SHPO STAFF REPORT
AND HPRB COMMENTS
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
KEY PLAN
A. EAST-WEST SECTION
CAF SUPPORT
CAF
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
STORE SUPPORT
MUSEUM STORE VISITOR CENTER
B. NORTH-SOUTH SECTION
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
SERVICE CORRIDOR
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REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
VIEW FROM NORTH
Glass-enclosed colonnades separate the volumes of
the pavilions from the Library and keep all the historic
building faades exposed and visible from the interior
of the additions and from outside on Mt. Vernon Place.
The connection to the exhibition entry colonnade and
stairs through one of the historic arched windows
minimizes the impact on the historic fabric of the
Library while affording a dramatic view across the
entire width of the Library lobby, reinforcing the
organizing axes of the Beaux-Arts planning (page 4).
Mezzanines, previously located in the hyphens, are
shifted to the centers of the pavilions, allowing the
hyphens to be reduced to transparent circulation
elements and improving visual connectivity of the site
from north to south. The important service and support
areas of the hyphens are consolidated at the cores of
the pavilions and below the exhibition entry colonnade.
The reduction of the hyphens to glass-enclosed
colonnades serves to increase the presence of the
pavilions as volumes separate from the Library.
The pavilions are conceived as glass for maximum
transparency at the ground level.
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
SOUTH ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION
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REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
VIEW FROM SOUTHWEST The detailing and materiality of the additions continue to be developed to be
harmonious with the proportions, detailing and color of the historic Library.
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
AERIAL VIEW
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REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
VIEW TO EAST ALONG MT. VERNON PLACE
The landscape design is being developed to pull the character of the park around to the north edge
of the site. The footprints of the pavilions are adjusted to increase the width of the tree-lined sidewalk
along Mt. Vernon Place and the reduction of the hyphens to shallow, glass-enclosed colonnades
creates two garden rooms between the historic Library and the new pavilions. Anchoring the
generously planted north landscape is a newly oriented stair, detailed to be complementary to the
historic building, that provides a gracious entry to the Library from the north.
The highly transparent glass walls of the new pavilions expose passers-by to the energy and activity of
the Visitor Center and Museum Store and preserve views of the historic building faades.
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
VIEW FROM NEW YORK AVENUE LOOKING SOUTHWEST
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REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
VIEW FROM NEW YORK AVENUE LOOKING NORTHEAST
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
0 16 48
PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN PROPOSED EXHIBITION LEVEL PLAN
EXISTING EXHIBITION LEVEL PLAN
EL. -20-0
+0-0
-4-10
EXISTING GROUND FLOOR PLAN
5 3
1
2
4
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REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR PLAN
EXISTING FIRST FLOOR PLAN
+7-0
10
11
12
7
6
9 8
+0-0
LEGEND
1 Spy Museum Exhibits
2 Historical Society Gallery
3 Historical Society Library
4 Historical Society Storage
5 Historical Society Offices
6 Main Entrance
7 Main Lobby
8 Spy Museum
9 Theater
10 Spy Museum Retail
11 Visitor Center
12 Caf
13 Museum Store Support
14 Caf Support
15 Spy Museum Offices
16 Lobby Reception
17 Special Events
18 Mechanical
+0-0
15
PROPOSED SECOND LEVEL PLAN
EXISTING SECOND LEVEL PLAN
3
1 4 2
M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
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17
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17
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0 16 48
EXISTING FIRST FLOOR MEZZANINE PLAN
15 13 14
PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR MEZZANINE PLAN
18 18
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PROPOSED THIRD LEVEL PLAN
EXISTING THIRD LEVEL PLAN
3
REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
LEGEND
15
1 Spy Museum Exhibits
2 Historical Society Gallery
3 Historical Society Library
4 Historical Society Storage
5 Historical Society Offices
6 Main Entrance
7 Main Lobby
8 Spy Museum
9 Theater
10 Spy Museum Store
11 Visitor Center
12 Caf
13 Museum Store Support
14 Caf Support
15 Spy Museum Offices
16 Lobby Reception
17 Special Events
18 Mechanical
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SITE PRINCIPLES
Guiding Form
Two opposing arcs create the framework for the
circulation and organization of space..
Civic & Neighborhood
The landscape on the east side is a sheltered oasis while the
landscape on the west side is a civic space that capitalizes
on connections outside the site.
Site Treatment
The landscape respects the original concept of an object
within a park, but strives for a more seamless integration
of the new pavilions with the landscape.
DEVELOP MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
The proposal for the improvement of Mt. Vernon Square
references past incarnations of the space and respects the
historic library while responding to the needs of the Spy
Museum, the Convention Center, the Historical Society and the
local community.
Two opposing arcs create the framework for the circulation
and organization of space. This form is evocative of the
sweeping paths of the lushly planted park that existed in this
location from 1882 to 1913. Arcing paths give symmetry and
balance to landscape that requires multiple layers of site
treatment to properly address the rigorous programming.
The eastern and western sides of the site, divided by the
historic entry plaza, have different pressures and opportunities
based on their relationships to the interior program and the
immediate surroundings. The landscape on the east side is a
sheltered oasis. This location has the most direct connection
along 7th Street to existing residential communities of the
Mount Vernon Square and Shaw neighborhoods and is the
most strategic location for programming that could best serve
local residents. The caf on this side of the building couples
well with the concept of an outdoor play space because it
provides an opportunity to create outdoor seating where
museum patrons, convention attendees and locals mingle.

The landscape on the west side is a civic space that capitalizes
on connections outside the site. A border of trees creates a filter
but retains visual connections down New York Avenue toward
the White House. A great lawn below the trees allows visitors
to focus inward or outward and serves as a flexible space
for passive recreation and periodic events. Responding to
comments received from SHPO staff and HPRB members, the
landscape design is being developed to maintain the original
concept of an object within a park. The character of the park
is pulled around to the north edge of the site with trees and
planting beds integrated into a widened sidewalk along Mt.
Vernon Place. Two new garden rooms are developed to each
side of a new north entry stair between the building additions
and the ground plane is carefully detailed to seamlessly blend
the additions with the landscape at the north edge of Mt.
Vernon Square.
These layers of spatial organization and site treatment
combine in to a single landscape that is balanced, versatile
and responsive.
PROPOSED SITE PLAN
1 Visitor Drop-Off
2 Service Lay-bys
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WEST
GARDEN
2
UPDATE
North dropoff

and roof form
CAF
TERRACE
SOUTH
ENTRY
PLAZA
CIVIC
SPACE
DISCOVERY
SPACE
NORTH
ENTRY PLAZA
MOUNT VERNON PLACE, NW
K STREET, NW
K STREET, NW K STREET, NW
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WALTER E. WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER
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2
2
WEST
PLAZA
2
2
REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
July 31, 2014
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Site Areas
Total Site 3.1 acres
Total Building Footprint 0.8 acres
Landscape 2.3 acres
South Entry Plaza 7,500 sf
Discovery Space 21,000 sf
Flexible Civic Space 21,000 sf
Caf Terrace 5,000 sf
West Plaza 5,000 sf
North Entry Plaza 3,700 sf
Garden Rooms and Streetscape 14,500 sf
EXISTING SITE PLAN SITE PROGRAM DIAGRAM
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
APPENDIX: Design Evolution
ORIGINAL CONCEPT - FALL 2013

The concept design initially presented to NCPC and the
Commission of Fine Arts placed publicly-oriented program
elements in a single pavilion-like addition that stretched
across the historic north faade of the Library, allowing interior
connection between them. Light, airy and transparent, the
addition both resonated with and complemented the heavy
masonry of the Library. Whereas the spaces of the Library
were defined by its solid walls, the volumes of the proposed
addition were defined by a sculptural roof and loggia that
unified the three sections of the addition. The height of the
new pavilion, column spacing and roof profiles were informed
and inspired by the Beaux Arts design elements of the
Carnegie Library.
VIEW LOOKING WEST ALONG MT. VERNON PLACE
NORTH ELEVATION
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REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
Fall 2013
MT. VERNON PLACE
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9
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SPY MUSEUM STORE
VISITOR CENTER
CAF
LOBBY
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
K STREET
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
APPENDIX: Design Evolution
REVISED CONCEPT - HPRB MEETING 05.22.2014
Through the spring of 2014, the concept design of the project
evolved in response to comments received from various
reviewing agencies and the public. At the May 22 HPRB
meeting, the Design Team presented a revised concept that
included a reallocation of the program into two separate
building additions to expose the entire historic north faade
of the Carnegie Library. Moving the Visitor Center from the
middle to the east side achieved an open space and new
staircase for entrance to the Library from the north, as well as
allowed for a more generous sidewalk along Mt. Vernon Place.
The massing of the additions was developed to consist of
more distinct volumes - taller, pavilions pushed out towards
the edges of the site and lower hyphen buildings connecting
the pavilions to the historic Library. The development of the
pavilions and hyphens helped to reinforce the Beaux-Arts
symmetry and massing of the original Library design. Also,
the loggia was removed to reduce the apparent massing,
improve sight lines to the historic facades of the Library
beyond and encourage the desired transparency to the retail
and public spaces.
VIEW LOOKING EAST ALONG MT. VERNON PLACE
SOUTH ELEVATION
24
REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
K STREET
MT. VERNON PLACE
7
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S
T
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9
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SPY MUSEUM STORE VISITOR CENTER
CAF
LOBBY
THEATER
05.22.2014 HPRB Meeting
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M G A P A R T N E R S A r c h i t e c t s
VIEW FROM SOUTHWEST
26
REDEVELOPMENT OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY AT MOUNT VERNON SQUARE
October 2, 2014
VIEW FROM NEW YORK AVENUE LOOKING NORTHEAST
VIEW FROM NEW YORK AVENUE LOOKING SOUTHWEST
27