Blending History and Modernity: The Fitchburg Library Expansion

In the heart of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the historic Wallace Building, long-time home to the Fitchburg Public Library, was facing a common challenge: a rapidly growing population, collections and program space had outpaced its existing space.

Colliers Project Leaders | USA, the project and program management division of Colliers Engineering & Design, partnered with the City and the Library Board to address this need. The solution involves a significant 30,000 square-foot expansion alongside a comprehensive, generational upgrade of the existing Wallace Building’s fixtures and systems. As owner’s project managers, the team at Colliers Project Leaders act on behalf of the client to ensure project success and mitigate issues that may arise.

“This project is unique, as it seamlessly combines historic restoration with the development of a modern space,” says Trey Logie, Project Manager at Colliers Project Leaders. “We are not only designing new facilities to accommodate the library’s growing public programs, but we are also carefully commissioning and upgrading the Wallace Building, ensuring its historic integrity is maintained for the future.”

Colliers Project Leaders is also working to achieve LEED certification for the renovations, positioning sustainability at the forefront of the project’s design and execution.

Honoring the Past While Building the Future

Work on the historic Wallace Building centers on architectural preservation. This includes the meticulous restoration of the building’s existing ornate roofline and exterior windows.

The Colliers Project Leaders commissioning team is critical to the preservation efforts. Their focus on the building involves maintaining the continuous air barriers, testing historic window systems, and mitigating potential energy or performance issues.

“Our team has taken great care to ensure all modifications to the Wallace Building support the enclosure’s enhanced performance goals,” explains Kristin Malone, a Senior Building Envelope Commissioning & Energy Project Manager at Colliers Project Leaders. “New features, such as thermally broken airtight windows, are being replicated to match the original appearance. Our goal is for residents to enjoy the Wallace Building’s historic beauty well into the future with improved durability.”

The new addition will significantly enhance the Fitchburg Library’s capacity to serve the community. The expansion includes new administrative wings and a large children’s area, which will feature contributions from local artists and students from the nearby Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. The renovated Wallace Building will soon house a new dedicated teenager’s area and computer labs.

Community and Sustainability

The community’s excitement for the project was recently highlighted during a celebratory steel beam signing in November. State Senator John Cronin local Fitchburg officials and community members participated in the event, leaving their marks on a core pillar of the new structure.

“It was inspiring to participate in the beam signing,” says Luis Rodriguez, a Construction Representative with Colliers Project Leaders. “The excitement the community has for their new library spaces is palpable. Seeing everyone come together and actively participate in the project was empowering.”