Eskew Dumez Ripple

Rosa Keller Library

Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley

ROSA KELLER LIBRARY

Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

ARCHITECTS
Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

PHOTOGRAPHS
Timothy Hursley

AREA
10000.0 m2

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
United States

This New Orleans neighborhood library is comprised of two buildings joined together with the intention that they function as a whole.

Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley
Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley

One building is a historically significant bungalow built as a residence in 1917, sited prominently on the corner of South Broad Street and Napoleon Avenue.

The other building, built in 1993 specifically to function as a library, was home to the main reading room and stock areas. Both buildings were severely flooded by levee breaks attributed to Hurricane Katrina.

The bungalow was salvaged and raised for future flood prevention, but the modern addition was deemed necessary for replacement by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley
Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley

The new 10,000 square foot combined library and community center serves the Broadmoor community by providing residents with an innovative 21st century library, community center, gathering space, and valuable educational resource.

A visually open connection is maintained between the Historic House and Library Addition in order to create spatial relief as the two buildings touch.

Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley
Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley

This “spine” allows for a clear line of sight to the playground across Broad Street and provides a clear entry sequence into the library.

The new addition primarily houses book shelving, computer stations, and other core elements of the library function, while the historic house operates primarily as the community meeting center and home to a small café.

Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley


Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley


Rosa Keller Library
North Elevation


Rosa Keller Library
Site Plan
Rosa Keller Library
© Timothy Hursley

Eskew Dumez Ripple
T +1 504 5618686
Eskew Dumez Ripple
365 Canal St #3150, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States