Library work moves forward with architect and specialist

SHARON — The Hotchkiss Library has retained J.P. Franzen Associates as the architects for the restoration and expansion of the library. Franzen Associates in turn has retained, as a part of their team, Nolan Lushington, one of the premier library consultants in America today, as the advisor for the development of the library’s program and space-planning requirements for the 21st century.

After an extensive search process conducted by the Building Committee of the library’s board, Franzen Associates was selected from a roster of 40 architects who were all contacted and who are all on the list of architects approved by the Connecticut Trust for Historical Preservation.

All the architects contacted were asked to submit presentations and each presentation was reviewed in detail, with several personal and on-site interviews.

Franzen, based in Southport, Conn., has extensive experience in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and has been recognized for its achievements in this area. The firm also has worked extensively with local historic districts and government bodies in obtaining approvals for their work.

Jack Franzen, the principal of the firm, serves as an advisor to the Pequot Library in Southport, another historic Romanesque revival building.

Nolan Lushington was the director of the Greenwich Library for 25 years before he set up his own consulting business in 1970. Since then he has worked on more than 200 library projects in 10 states and is considered by his peers to be one of the leading library program developers in the country.

Jack Franzen stated that it was extremely important in any restoration and expansion project involving a historical structure, especially one as important as a Bruce Price building, to comply with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.

"The most important guideline is that the property will ideally be used as it was used historically," Franzen said. In this case the property has always been a library and that use will continue. The addition "…[will] be differentiated from the old and will be compatible [with the existing library.]"

In addition, the guidelines state that the historic character of the building must be retained and that the building "…be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use."

The plans being designed are faithful to both preserving the original use of the property and, as importantly to retaining and highlighting the original Bruce Price design. Anyone visiting will know immediately which is the original and which is the addition.

It is planned, at some time toward the end of July (most likely July 26) and just prior to the annual Book Signing event planned for Aug. 1, to have a public presentation and progress report for everyone who is interested on the grounds of the Hotchkiss Library.

Both the architects and consultants will be in attendance. We hope that everyone will tear him/herself away from their garden or picnic for a short presentation and question-and-answer session. It is planned to have some renderings of the proposed restoration and addition at the meeting.

Khurshed Bhumgara is vice president of the Hotchkiss Library Board of Directors and head of the library’s Building Committee.