An energy-efficient library in New Rochelle (New York) incorporates part of an old garage. The new library was developed closely with a master plan to become the central focus and cultural center intended to encourage revitalization of the decaying downtown. (Author/MLF)

Describes three examples of the adaptation of an existing structure to meet library needs in Pennsylvania--a supermarket in Brookville, a Victorian residence in Franklin, and a bank in Haverford Township--noting location considerations, architect assistance, and library usage. Illustrations provided include floor plans. (EJS)

Describes a community planning laboratory process held to resolve the issue of reuse of excess school facilities. (Author/MLF)

Deliberately designing alternative uses for new educational facilities has been utilized in a number of different projects in South Australia. One example is a high school designed to be converted to residential units, commercial office accommodation, and joint school and community use. (MLF)

Situating the University of Thessaly in Volos and Larissa, Greece, represents the idea that the university has a role to play in the community, and, therefore, its facilities are integrated within the city. Describes an old factory warehouse converted to create "a building within a building," while preserving style of the former factory…

High ceilings and the graceful columns supporting them are highlighted in the conversion of a hat factory into the Office of Financial Aid for New York University. Lighting and color coding of departments produce a pleasant atmosphere. (Author/MLF)

For over a quarter of a century architect Giancarlo de Carlo has been designing and carrying out a master plan to revitalize the historic city of Urbino (Italy) and the University of Urbino. A convent built in the 16th century was converted to a new law school. (MLF)

A North Oakland (California) neighborhood spent years convincing the city to convert an old college building into a senior center, housing, a park, and an African American cultural center instead of replacing it with a strip mall. Community strategies included publishing a monthly newsletter, attending meetings, replacing city politicians, and…

DePaul University's downtown Chicago campus is geared toward professional students. A search for space led to the acquisition of a city-owned landmark 1912 department store. By purchasing from the city, DePaul gained financial advantages. The city benefitted since it was able to make money from a building it was about to demolish. An essentially…

The Surplus Schools Project was designed to stimulate and encourage the adaptive use and preservation of vacant school buildings in New York State. Through a statewide competition, the Preservation League selected four surplus schools that were located in four distinctly different communities and presented a broad range of problems and…

Rental of surplus school district property, arranged by a property management company, reduced the deficit of the properties for the Madison Metropolitan School District, Wisconsin. (MLF)

Describes a three-day laboratory held to identify and recommend alternate uses for the Burnet Junior High School building. (MLF)

Renovation, addition, and adaptive reuse of existing facilities offer many advantages over new construction: savings, preservation of historical or architecturally significant buildings, preservation of traditional location, and faster relocation to a more desirable location. Discusses building criteria: structure, hazardous materials, siting,…

This publication describes the Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a regional library for the National Library Service (NLS) example of the creative use of physical space and innovative technology. The publication focuses on the materials-handling system designed for the new facility, including system design…

The Denver (Colorado) Board of Education has taken a number of steps to avoid closing schools. Among these are refiguring school capacities; providing full-time space for programs that do not always function full-time; providing additional private space for related services (psychological, social work, and nursing); expanding instructional…