The Widener Library was built in 1915 and houses 3 million volumes, including a rare book collection. At more than 300,000 s.f. Widener is Harvard's largest library, and was constructed with the most advanced systems for its time. Today, we know that the library's large, opening windows lead to the deterioration of the collection, and the open steel structure supporting 10 levels of stacks would have lead to a catastrophic loss in the event of a fire. The goal of the Widener Stacks Renovation project was to provide a long-term solution to protect the collection and to reorganize the existing offices and supporting areas to increase the efficiency of the space.

Responsible for preconstruction and construction services, Lee Kennedy Co. performed both phases of this major mechanical renovation that provided state-of-the-art HVAC, desiccant drying, MEP, lighting, security, and fire suppression systems. Phase I covered 340,000 s.f. and included the renovation of two interior courtyards that were infilled with 3 floor levels and capped off with skylights for use as offices and reading rooms. The areas around the stacks, including offices and study carrel areas, were renovated while being brought into ADA compliance with the updating of toilet rooms and means of egress, and the construction of additional elevators and stairways.

Phase II entailed the detailed restoration of architectural features and finishes plus the creation of additional programmatic space. User areas in the library were reorganized so that the Library’s busier, interactive services were separated from the reading rooms and quieter areas. Furthermore, 100,000 square feet of space on the north side of the building received life safety, electrical and mechanical upgrades.

Architect: Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering, P.C.

More information about this project can be found in the article:
Improvements Take Shape at Harvard University's Widener Library

or the article:
Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. Begins Harvard's Widener Library Renovation