Robert A.M. Stern Architects Wins Main Library Design

JACKSONVILLE, FL-New York’s Robert A.M. Stern Architects has won the four-firm competition to design Jacksonville’s new $95-million Main Library. Considered designers of the neo-traditionalist school, the firm was also behind the design of the Walt Disney World Resort’s Boardwalk in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Mayor John Delaney made the final decision and announced the winning proposal Thursday. Explaining his choice, Delaney says, “I believe Stern has designed a classic building that is reflective of Jacksonville’s timeless beauty.” Groundwork for the 300,000-sf state-of-the-art complex is already under way. Three buildings have been cleared from the site, which neighbors Hemming Plaza. “The library is a perfect example of what a true government building should be,” Mayor’s office spokeswoman Sharon Ashton tells GlobeSt.com, “It invites everyone, young, old, rich and poor. It draws in people of every ethnic background. It is a beautiful facility inside and out.”

As for the process, Ashton says the parking garage will the first to come out of the ground so construction crews will have a place to park and a staging place for equipment. While the mayor’s office has not made a decision on a groundbreaking ceremony, the dedication ceremony is set for 2003.