Elgin Community College Renner Academic Library

Providing Resource Access to Students

Elgin, Illinois

The facility is a “fusion building” which also houses the tutoring department, distance learning program, and Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning.

Working closely with college administrators, we helped deliver the academic library five months ahead of schedule and $2.3 million under budget.

Our design integrated library usage into students’ daily lives by connecting the south end of the building directly to the Student Resource Center (SRC) art gallery space and lounge areas.

At the center of the second floor we integrated an open observation area around the service desk to bring in natural light, and incorporated a wood grille ceiling to add warmth.

With benches and an open lawn area, the library courtyard serves as both a social space and a place to relax or study. Library patrons can view the courtyard from the second floor open study area, adding a nature-focused element to the building.

The library includes a two-story café, a 120-computer open technology lab, private study rooms, and a quiet reading room overlooking the main entry.

Paul Dawson, managing director of construction projects at ECC said, “I walk to my car every night and see the library’s reading room shining like a diamond at the center of campus.”

The Student Resource Center (SRC) of the Elgin Community College is the "heart" of the campus and its student activities. The three-story building, originally constructed in 1970, needed an extensive remodel, renovation, and refurbishing with a major emphasis on its academic library. With a growing student population, combined with limited space for collections, Elgin Community College's library could no longer accommodate students adequately.

$2.3 million

under budget

Providing architectural and engineering services, we expanded the SRC building to create study rooms, classrooms, and a vibrant student common area while tripling the library's square footage. The new Renner Academic Library and Learning Resources design focuses on students, offering more space to conduct studies, access resources, collaborate with fellow classmates, and socialize.

Owner

Community College District 509

Client

Elgin Community College

Certification

LEED^® Silver

Square Footage

73,000 SF

Cost

$178 million

Awards

2012 Merit Award

ALA

Services

Architecture

Markets

Education

Regions

Midwest