C2AE was awarded the commission for the planning and design of the new White Lake Community Library. The building includes 10,500 square feet of main floor area with a basement of 2,300 square feet for book storage and housing of the HVAC equipment.
Situated on a wonderful natural site, surrounded by established woods, ravine, creek, and natural wetlands, the library was designed to evoke memories of Whitehall’s past relationship to the Great Lakes. The lighthouse tower at the entry of the library is a symbolic interpretation of Great Lakes architecture. The building’s character and materials also recall the recreational and cottage roots along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The lighthouse entry connects to a 30’ high clerestory spine that separates children’s and adult’s functions. The clerestory leads you past the Circulation Desk and reference area to the reading room. A stone fireplace provides privacy and noise separation from the main spaces. Large windows in the building corners and reading room offer sweeping views to the site’s natural beauty.
The new facility is roughly four times the size of the former library and supports a new community meeting room for 100 people. A children’s story reading area, program room, screened reading porch, and future reading deck were also incorporated.
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