Boston Public Library, Jamaica Plain Branch

Boston, MA

The design team worked with the Boston Public Facilities Department and the Boston Public Library on the award-winning renovation and new addition of the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library. A gut renovation of the 8,000 square foot, 1909 historic building updated multiple meeting areas, created additional flexible space for children and teens, and improved accessibility. The 2,500 square foot modern addition houses a community event space, smaller meeting areas, updated resources, and new technology. The energetic design creates a more visible, active public face on South Street, and positions the library as a hub of the community. The library reopened to the public in May 2017, after closing in the fall of 2015 to start construction.

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Smart Site Solutions in a Tight Urban Footprint
Samiotes supported the library’s transformation with civil engineering, land surveying, and environmental permitting services tailored to an active, urban neighborhood context. Despite the site’s limited size and densely developed surroundings, Samiotes integrated thoughtful stormwater and utility design features that enhance performance without sacrificing space. Our contributions included:

• Low Impact Development (LID) strategies, including a compact rain garden to manage roof runoff

• Three underground infiltration systems to meet BWSC’s 1” stormwater infiltration requirement and support groundwater recharge

• Efficient utility design and permitting coordination with BWSC, ISD, and PWD

• Surveying services that established clear boundaries and supported accurate siting for both new and historic structures

By weaving sustainable infrastructure into a tight site, Samiotes helped realize a library that’s as forward-thinking on the outside as it is within.