New York, New York

Grolier Club

Established in 1884, New York’s Grolier Club is the nation’s oldest organization dedicated to book and graphic arts, sponsoring free exhibitions and programs for bibliophiles and enthusiasts. Our renovation of the lower floors of the 1917 Grolier Club building re-conceives visitor services, exhibition, and rare book display, making them more accessible, engaging, and memorable.

The redesigned entrance and lobby provide universal access, as well as improved wayfinding and visitor welcome. In the main exhibition hall, new approaches to collections presentation, archival display, and stewardship are woven into the design. New building systems, lighting, media wall, and storage support events for members, guests, and rentals. A tiered design houses special book collections on a mezzanine level. The main level is a flexible setting for exhibitions, lectures, receptions, and dinners, lined with cherry wood paneling and climate-controlled exhibition cases.

Client
The Grolier Club
Status
Completed 2017
Project Size
Renovation | 7,000 GSF
Program
Library, Exhibition, Visitor Services
Ann Beha Architects, now Annum Architects
Project Team
Ann Beha FAIA, Thomas Hotaling AIA, Robert Carroll AIA, Steven Gerrard AIA (ABA/Annum); Silman (Structural); Kohler Ronan (MEP / IT); Taylor & Miller Light (Lighting); Spectra/Audio Design Group (AV); Jensen Hughes (Code); Goppion (Casework); Jones Lang LaSalle (Owner’s Project Manager); Shawmut Design and Construction (Pre-Construction / Construction Management / Cost); Michael Moran (Photography)