Future Uses Proposed for New Canaan Library’s 1913 Building

This post examines the New Canaan Library’s plans for the preserved 1913 legacy building that was moved 115 feet as part of a recent renovation. I’ll summarize the key facts: the relocation costs, the interim art installation, the library’s planning process for adaptive reuse, funding requests to the town, and how community needs and heavy room usage are shaping design choices.

Preservation, relocation and the challenge of adaptive reuse

The historic structure was carefully relocated and preserved. This decision maintained civic heritage while enabling a modern library renovation.

Moving a masonry or timber-framed building from 1913 involves significant structural engineering. Temporary supports and careful site planning were required.

Engineering and operational context

The project relocated the legacy building 115 feet at a cost of about $2.4 million. Since 2024, the exterior has hosted a “Changemakers” art installation that keeps the structure active in the public eye.

This investment buys both cultural value and an opportunity for adaptive reuse. It also creates a responsibility to ensure the restored building serves sustainable community needs.

The library’s leadership has formed committees to define flexible, community-focused uses that respond to demonstrated demand. Programming informed by usage data is a best practice for repurposing historic civic buildings.

Programming needs driven by usage data

Usage patterns matter. New Canaan Library reports heavy demand for meeting and study spaces, with roughly 50 meetings per day.

This demand informs the type of public programming and spatial flexibility the legacy building should offer. The library welcomed more than 1 million visitors since reopening in February 2023.

FY26 included international recognition and high-profile speakers that strengthened community engagement.

Potential uses under consideration

Committees are exploring options that balance preservation with utility. Early concepts include multi-use, low-impact interventions that preserve historic fabric while enabling modern functions:

These ideas follow best practices in adaptive reuse for small historic civic structures. Interventions should be reversible, prioritize accessibility upgrades, and minimize impact on historic materials.

Funding realities and public partnership

Financial planning will determine what’s feasible. The library plans to request an approximately $3.1 million grant from the town for FY27, a 3.5% increase over current support.

Library CEO Ellen Sullivan Crovatto emphasized that 94% of the town grant goes to staff salaries, leaving only 6% for other operating costs. Capital and program expansion rely heavily on fundraising.

FY25 donations totaled $1,060,605, outperforming comparable nearby libraries. The organization intends to refine final plans, seek community feedback, and pursue both town funding and private fundraising to implement the legacy building’s new program.

Process and timeline considerations

First Selectman Dionna Carlson urged library officials to integrate any funding request into the town’s current FY27 budget process. This highlights the need for clear project scopes and accurate cost estimates.

Timeline alignment is also important. Public review and transparent cost breakdowns will help gain support from the town and stakeholders.

As an architect and engineer with three decades of experience in adaptive reuse, I see this as an opportunity. The preserved 1913 building can become a valuable community asset if planning includes sensitive preservation and flexible programming.

A strong funding strategy and community engagement are also essential. Careful planning will help ensure the success of the project.

 
Here is the source article for this story: New Canaan Library Working Toward Proposed Uses for 1913 Building