Awards:
2006 Chicago Building Congress Merit Award
2007 AIA Frank Lloyd Wright Award
In 2018, Wight & Company was tasked to assist the library with a master plan renovation study of the existing facility to renew, reinvigorate, and improve the function of public spaces for library patrons. Our team worked with library staff, the library board, and library patrons on a comprehensive needs assessment to determine the scope of renovation work required including design recommendations and a conceptual budget. In 2019, the Orland Park Library Board of Trustees approved Wight to bring the master plan recommendations through our integrated design and delivery process. As the architect, interior designer, and construction manager, Wight completed a three-phase construction project with the library.
Phase one included creating an open computer lab and technology center, a flexible multipurpose room, additional study rooms, and new flooring in all public areas. Modifications were made to the staff administration offices in order to reallocate space to the public zones of the library.
Phase two was an effort to reinvigorate the teen area and create a dedicated but highly visible room for the teens. The first floor meeting room was increased in size to accommodate more patrons. With the future of social distancing, this modification granted the library the ability to establish proper protocols as the larger open area allowed for more flexible use of the room. This phase also included upgraded flooring in the public areas and a new book sale area for the Friends of the Library.
Phase three focused on the library’s main lobby, the children’s library, tween area and the backyard outdoor exploration area for patrons of all generations. The children’s story time room was also refreshed as part of this transition along with a new sensory room for young patrons. Additional study rooms and upgraded flooring in all the public areas were included in this phase.
As an integrated design and delivery project, Orland Park Library has enjoyed a seamless transition from design concept, to documentation, and into construction.
