EASTHAM, MA Nauset Construction is managing the final touches to the recently completed $6.8 million new Eastham Public Library. Designed by Oudens Ello Architecture, the 18,000-square-foot structure nearly doubles the space of the previous building, providing a state-of-the-art library facility while incorporating the restored original historic one-room library building (constructed in 1897 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places) into the new design. P-Three Inc. of Norwell, Massachusetts, served as the owner's project manager.

"Eastham's new library successfully melds the historic character of the original library with the enhanced functionality and energy efficiency of a modern facility," said Anthony Papantonis, President of Nauset Construction. "The new building will serve a host of purposes for both the year-round community and seasonal visitors while providing lovely views of the pond for library patrons."

The original preserved room serves as the "headpiece" for the new library, welcoming visitors into the newly constructed facility that features large, energy-efficient windows designed to maximize the amount of natural light coming into the building. The upper level of the two-tiered building consists of a lobby, a 110-seat multipurpose community room, the circulation desk, and an adult reading room (with a natural gas fireplace), arranged around a central reading garden to take full advantage of the dramatic water views.

The lower level houses the children's and young adult rooms with direct access to an outdoor program area. The building design maximizes flexibility of use during normal library hours as well as off-hour community use, and promotes adaptability to future program changes. The new library has also incorporated the latest in green building technologies, including a roof design that will allow for the installation of energy-producing photovoltaic panels in the near future. Nauset also constructed a 52-space parking lot over the new nitrogen-reducing septic system - replacing the parking lot previously located within the wetland buffer. This will ensure against any negative impact on the water quality of the pond. The completed project is qualified for USGBC LEED Silver certification.

The project was not without its trials. The record-setting winter of 2014-2015 caused delays at the start of construction, and the preservation and restoration of the historic one-room library presented significant coordination and engineering challenges. This building section had to be carefully separated and set aside via crane in order to protect it during the demolition of the balance of the existing structure. It was then restored and tied back into the newly constructed library. 

"This project was a testament to the power of committed collaboration between all of the stakeholders - from incorporating the historic structure into the new library, to protecting the wetlands, to building on a tight site," said Nauset Construction President, Anthony Papantonis.