The Society of the Four Arts has an upcoming $12mm renovation
of the King Library. Designed by Maurice
Fatio and opened in 1938, a new 2-story addition is planned for the north side
of the building. Former Palm Beach
Architectural Commission Chairman Bob Vila, whose late in-laws the Library is named for, has
advised on the design.
Architect Thomas Kirchoff has twice received the
Preservation Foundation’s Robert I. Ballinger Award for a historically
sensitive restoration and twice received its Elizabeth L. and John H. Schuler
Award for new architecture in keeping with the traditional style of Palm Beach.
Four Arts has raised over $4mm and will kick off a $12MM capital campaign in
November.
This
week renovation plans will be presented to the Landmarks Preservation
Commission for informal review of this cherished historic building which serves
as the town’s library. The Town Council will soon review the plans
for variances, a special exception and site plan review. Very little has been done to update the
building, though 2 additions were made in 1956 and 1979 on the north side. If all is well, construction would begin in
May and take about 18 months to complete.
The new two-story
addition will be consistent with the height of the original building and will
replace the two additions.
The new design solves moisture
problem where some is seeping in, improve traffic flow, links the first and
second floors and create offices and a staff work room. Changes include:
· ...new elevator and front
entrance ramp
· ...The rare book room
will be moved to a more protected area with a better climate control system
· ...New plumbing,
electrical, heating and air conditioning systems will be installed
· ... The cozy reading room
on the first floor remains
· ...On the second floor,
the stage will be removed and the space redesigned to include a multipurpose
event area and reading alcoves
· ... Cypress beams that
were part of the original design and are now covered by an acoustic tile
ceiling will be exposed.
· ... The main entrance door
on the west side will be moved to the center of the porch and lined up with a
window and French doors on the east to provide a view through to the gardens.
· ...The murals will be
conserved and Fatio-designed architectural details on the exterior restored.
The addition will have similar but simpler exterior details.
· ...The main entrance door
on the west side will be moved to the center of the porch and lined up with a
window and French doors on the east to provide a view through to the gardens.
· ...The murals will be
conserved and Fatio-designed architectural details on the exterior restored.
The addition will have similar but simpler exterior details
“The goal is to restore the building, one that everybody loves,
back to what it was and provide an addition that looks like it belongs,” said
architect Kirchhoff.
front of 159 Australian
New Porte Cochere
Newly built master suite replaces former suite
in back, upstairs guest suite replaces former garage
Kirchoff recently completed a total redo of 159 Australian
Avenue, a 1920’s era historical bungalow that was listed for $5.45MM and just
sold. Buyer, amount of sale, closing
date to be announced. This property won this year’s Preservation Foundation of Palm
Beach’s Polly Earl Award for small-scale
renovations.
Our Palm Beach is looking better and better!
