Elkridge Library & DIY Education Center

The building is Howard County’s latest civic building and it is the epitome of a structure truly dedicated to public service. Designed to enhance the three pillars of HCLS’ educational mission of: Self-directed Education, Research Assistance + Instruction, and Instructive + Enlightening Experiences: the updated center boasts 35,000 square feet of contemporary space for patrons at every stage of life to enjoy. The facility features six study rooms, three meeting rooms, a vending cafe, a business center, more computers, and an expanded collection.

The day starts early in the 50+ Senior Activity Center. Packed with programming, this accessible space serves as a venue for active adults to interact and make new connections with those in their community. The project’s 10,000 SF 50+ Center, five times the size of the previous senior center, includes a fitness facility and a large, welcoming common area, complete with a fireplace. Next door lives the bright and active library which embraces the natural history of Elkridge. The aquamarine theme, which pays homage to Maryland’s 39-mile long Patapsco River, follows visitors as they navigate the library’s open floorplan into the Teen Area, and finally making a big splash in the Children’s area.

A curved stone wall, representative of Elkridge’s historic stone structures and mills, leads to the most unique aspect of the new library’s expanded collection, the Do it Yourself Education Center. This tool lending library is the most extensive of its kind in the state of Maryland. Crafters can take a class or borrow an array of tools, including building, baking, and gardening equipment.

One of the many qualities that makes this project special are the large number of permanent displays and features all of which require special lighting to bring them to life. Linier LED lighting is featured throughout the building particularly in the center access spline where the width of the space increases over its length requiring a great amount of detail and care in the light layout and fabrication.

Our Scope of Work included: Power Distribution Systems, Lighting & Lighting Control Systems, Fire Alarm System, Raceways & Duct Banks for Communications/Data Systems, Switchgear, Temporary Lighting & Power.