Sterling Library Transforms 1980s Shopping Center
Sterling, Virginia
client
Loudoun County Public Library
size
15,000 sf
type
Interior Fit-Out
How do you insert a new 15,000 sf library into a 20 year old shopping center that has seen better days? Very carefully and creatively! Loudoun County leased three abandoned storefronts to convert into a new community library. The constraints of the lease and budget limitations rendered this an interior-only exercise. Active spaces adjacent to the long ribbon of storefront invite visitors into the library and add vibrancy to the shopping center.
Reading Beans
Parents and care-givers can read, study, meet or chill while their children enjoy the “jelly bean” cut-outs in the children’s area. Interiors are brought to life with vibrant colors, daylighting and flexible furnishings that support a variety of activities – from festive to reflective.
Huddle Pods
As you enter, the zone to the left is a teen area. With computers, anime, gaming screens, and fun furniture - this area lets teens do their thing. A movable glass separates the teens from the rest of the library when things get loud and activities start to buzz.
Grimm + Parker was dedicated to ensuring that the project surpassed the expectations of both Loudoun County Public Library and the community of Sterling.
Director, Loudoun County Public Library
Bring In The Light
One of the greatest design challenges was adding natural light to the 90’ deep space where the existing exterior storefront windows offered the only natural light. Skylights were strategically carved into the existing roof to pour in sunlight and draw visitors into the space. Along the path are computers, a maker space, spaces for business incubation, tutoring rooms, and conference rooms and community rooms.
A Place For All Ages
By day, the library is filled with laughter, delight, and daylight as people enjoy the amenities offered. The new library has helped to transform an older, “has-been” shopping center into a new, hip place to hang out and engage, to see and be seen, with neighbors and friends!
Closing Thoughts
The entire space is designed to be flexible and transformable. It's a story of renewal and repurpose; a second life for a shopping center to become an energetic community node.
Awards
Citation Award
AIA Maryland
Merit Award
AIA Potomac Valley
Interior Design Award
Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence
Student's Choice Award
Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence
Juror's Special Citation in Commercial Interiors
AIA Northern Virginia
Merit Award
AIA Central Virginia
