The Vodak Area Branch Library occupies a prominent location on a busy commercial corner on Chicago’s east side. Completed in 2006, it closely follows the Prairie School influenced, 15,000 SF branch library prototype, and is one of the first LEED certified branch libraries constructed for the Chicago Public Libraries by the Public Building Commission of Chicago.
The building features a dramatic barrel vaulted street entrance, expandable community room, reading and study rooms and a children’s center. The central reading area features a 360-degree clerestory with a gracious solar roof overhang and motorized shades. Green features include low VOC and high recycled content construction components, micro-irrigation, parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, and a high reflective / low emissivity roof to reduce heat island effect.
