Sheldon Library
Honor Award // Rick + Duffy Monahon Award for Design Excellence in Architectural Restoration and Preservation
Architect // designLAB architects
GC // Windover Construction
Engineer - MEP // Vanderweil
Lighting Design // Available Light
Description
Together with designLAB architects, the St. Paul's School embarked on a renovation of the Sheldon Library building, a stunning Beaux-Arts style building built in 1909. The aim of the renovation was to transform the building into a hub for student-focused study and gathering, and refresh the interior of Sheldon Library to enhance the historic character and atmosphere which established it as one of the campus’s most iconic buildings. The renovation included new office and classroom spaces, the enclosure of the historic exterior portico to create expanded, year-round student space, and the transformation of the central rotunda space. The project carefully preserved the historic architectural detailing throughout Sheldon Library, particularly in the rotunda, where the detailing and paint schemes were refreshed to imbue new life into the space, and complimented by the installation of a custom chandelier to create a beautiful, contemporary study space.
Jury Comments
This project received an Honor Award in recognition of its exemplary approach to preservation and restoration, demonstrating exceptional sensitivity toward the historic fabric while thoughtfully adapting the building for contemporary use. The jury particularly commended the project's clarity of intervention, elegant execution, and deep respect for the architectural character and heritage significance of the existing structure.
The project is distinguished by its careful transformation of interior spaces and its seamless integration of modern interventions within the historic framework. Through a restrained yet highly effective design strategy, the project enhances functionality and user experience while preserving the integrity and identity of the original building.
The jury recognized Sheldon Library as an outstanding example of a preservation-forward intervention - one that prioritizes the stewardship of heritage while ensuring the building's continued relevance and vitality. Its refined architectural execution, respect for historical continuity, and meaningful spatial transformation establish the project as a model for sensitive and enduring adaptive reuse.
Photo credit: Anton Grassl