Indiana architects and engineers have a ton of cool projects going on, but we wanted to hear about the ones that got them most excited. So, we put out the call to firms throughout the state for their input on the coolest architecture and engineering projects that have taken place in the last few years.

No requirements in terms of project cost, scale, location, or industry. We simply wanted the experts to tell us about the most exciting and interesting projects they’ve recently worked on. Their responses did not disappoint. Check out what Arkos Design shared with us:

 

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St. Joseph County Public Library Addition/Renovation

• Architect: Arkos Design, Inc. with Robert A.M. Stern Architects
• Owner: Joseph County Public Library
• Project Cost: $32 million
• Location: South Bend, IN
• Completion Date: November 2021

Construction Partners:

• General Contractor: Ziolkowski Construction
• Construction Manager: Bulley & Andrews
• M/E/P, Civil Engineering: Circle Design Group
• Structural: Fink Roberts Petri
• Security, Acoustics: Cerami & Associates
• Lighting: Fisher Morantz Stone
• Envelope: Simpson Gumperts & Heger
• A/V: Custom Sound Designs

Mishawaka-based Arkos Design partnered New York-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects to totally revamp the St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL). The partners developed a 98,000-square-foot renovation and a 40,500-square-foot addition that changes the nature of the facility.

The renovation updated all three stories of the library, creating more engaging spaces on the main levels and reconfigured several key areas. This relocation of spaces, along with completely updated finishes, brings a more intuitive experience for visitors, state-of-the-art technology, and a welcoming aesthetic.

The new addition offers more options for community meeting space, educational presentations, a 210-seat auditorium, and a third-floor space for the CFSJC. The addition connects to the existing library, and a new courtyard allows for controlled outdoor programming. The former Studio 304 was also rebuilt into a larger area offering additional sound booths, maker space, and computer stations.