University City Public Library: A History of Community and Architectural Significance

The University City Public Library in University City, Missouri, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to community, education, and architectural innovation. Its history is intertwined with the development of University City itself, reflecting the city's growth, challenges, and enduring dedication to providing its citizens with a valuable resource for learning and cultural enrichment.

The Genesis of University City

The story begins in 1902 when Edward Gardner Lewis, a publisher, acquired 85 acres of land near the construction site of Forest Park for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Lewis, the publisher of the Womans’ Magazine and the Woman’s Farm Journal, sought a new headquarters for his growing enterprise, which had outgrown its previous locations in downtown St. Louis.

In 1903, Lewis initiated the construction of the Magazine Building (now City Hall), an imposing octagonal tower reaching 135 feet in height, which became a prominent landmark. A powerful eight-ton beacon atop the building illuminated the surrounding area.

Lewis envisioned a residential community catering to the upper middle class, leading to the development of University Heights One. This subdivision was thoughtfully designed, incorporating landscape parks and private places, with varying lot sizes and a diverse mix of architectural styles, house sizes, and prices.

Prior to the full development of the subdivision, the land played an important role during the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Lewis constructed a tent city to accommodate families visiting the Fair, making productive use of the land.

University City was formally incorporated in September 1906, with Lewis serving as its first mayor. Under his leadership, the city experienced rapid growth, with the development of new subdivisions, the establishment of banks, and the flourishing of commercial activities.

Growth and Challenges

The 1920s witnessed a significant population shift as people moved to less populated communities west of St. Louis. According to the 1920 Census, University City's population surged to 6,702, representing a remarkable 177% increase, the highest percentage increase recorded in any Missouri town during that decade. Between 1920 and 1930, the city welcomed over 19,000 new residents, bringing its total population to 25,809.

Like the rest of the nation, University City faced hardships during the Great Depression. New subdivision development came to a standstill between 1930 and 1935, infrastructure improvements were postponed, and city employees experienced salary reductions. To alleviate the impact on unemployed citizens, the Board of Alderman implemented three revenue proposals to provide assistance until federal programs were enacted.

By the 1940s, University City experienced a resurgence in construction activity, with new schools, public buildings, and street improvements developed throughout the city with the support of the Works Progress Administration.

In February 1947, University City voters adopted a home rule charter, establishing a new Council-Manager form of municipal government. By the 1960s, the city had expanded to its current boundaries, encompassing 5.8 square miles.

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Maintaining Distinctiveness

University City maintained its distinctiveness through several key factors. The early recognition by Lewis and his successors that housing development would be more interesting, attractive, and stable if the natural landscape was respected and residential areas were developed into viable neighborhoods. The city also prioritized its school system, recognizing that excellent schools helped build a first-class community. Finally, remarkable men and women dedicated themselves to building and sustaining a community where they and their children could live proudly and happily.

Architectural Significance: The Brutalist Design

Designed by Smith + Entzeroth in the late 1960s, the University City Public Library is a striking example of Brutalist design. Smith + Entzeroth is renowned in St. Louis architectural history for its distinctive aesthetic, which can be found in commercial, educational, and civic buildings throughout the region. The University City Public Library, a highlight of the firm’s portfolio, is listed on the St. Louis County Historic Building Commission’s “Mid-Century Modern Architecture in St. Louis County: Outstanding Examples Worthy of Preservation”.

Modernization and Renovation

Recognizing the need to modernize the architecturally significant building for more efficient and cost-effective operations, library leaders engaged Susan Pruchnicki, a principal at Bond Architects, to assess the facility and develop a long-range plan. Pruchnicki, who had developed a deep bond with the library while studying architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, had gained a professional reputation as a library design expert.

Over the years, Bond Architects tackled facility issues outlined in the Master Plan as funding became available. These projects included roof and skylight replacements, building systems work, furniture replacement, and a safety and security assessment.

A comprehensive interior renovation provided an opportunity to consider a big-picture approach, building upon previous renovations that had addressed isolated facility issues. The team started from the outside and worked its way inside in a phased approach.

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Addressing Challenges: The Windows

One of the biggest challenges the team faced was replacing the exterior windows. Smith + Entzeroth’s design featured 12- by 12-foot panes of uninterrupted, uninsulated glass-a very cutting-edge look for the time. However, these windows were problematic and not compliant with current code wind-load requirements. The single-glazed panes were highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and the glass had been plagued by leaks and cracks since the library’s opening day in 1969.

To find a solution, the team researched Saint Louis University’s Tegeler Hall, another Smith + Enzeroth project with a similar window design, which provided a precedent of a mullion layout that would keep with the original design intent.

Working with the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, the proposed changes were mocked-up with gaffer’s tape on the existing windows.

Restoring the Exterior

While researching options for the windows, the team partnered with Western Specialty Contractors, a building envelope restoration specialist, to investigate the masonry cleaning and repair techniques, as well as products.

The original iron spot Roman brick is no longer manufactured, so damaged units could only be replaced with bricks salvaged from the building. The porous pink sandstone was deeply stained and damaged. Masonry soft joints and mortar joints had been spot-repaired with mixed success over the life of the building.

Materials and methods were tested in less-visible sections of the façade to ensure compatibility with existing materials before the comprehensive restoration was underway. The selected cleaner removed the surface stains without damaging the extensive site landscaping. More aggressive cleaners and patches were used strategically on stubborn stains and missing corners of sandstone, respectively. The distinctive bare brick walls of the library were restored and preserved with accents of rich color in tiles, flooring, and furniture.

Creating More Space: The Makerspace

The library’s most pressing need on the building’s inside was more programming space, as meeting rooms were constantly booked. With no ability to expand beyond the building’s footprint, the design team had to be resourceful.

The solution was retrofitting the interior mechanical room by moving the equipment onto the roof. The former mechanical room had several advantageous features. Large louvers were easily converted into windows, letting in abundant northern daylight. Because it formerly housed noisy equipment, the space was already acoustically separated from other program areas. After careful consideration, the space was turned into a makerspace and multipurpose room.

When the mechanical equipment was moved to the roof, care was taken to not compromise the building’s aesthetic. Rooftop mechanical units were placed by verifying sightlines from the street to ensure they would not disrupt the appearance of the building. Inside, acoustical clouds were added where the ceiling had to be lowered to accommodate rerouted ductwork.

Expressing Distinctive Character

The renovation also gave the library a chance to express its distinctive character. Integral to University City’s identity is the city’s artistic heritage: University City is home to Washington University in St. Louis’ renowned Sam Fox School of Visual Art and several performing-arts venues. The library holds an extensive collection of art and artifacts from the city’s unique history.

One of the highlights of the collection is a dramatic tapestry, created by local artist Muriel Helfman, which was designed for the library’s atrium soon after it opened. The new space also highlights contemporary artists. The library had an art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions by local artists, but it was hidden away in a corridor behind brick walls. To improve visual connections and security, the renovation removed interior walls to open the space.

To celebrate the building’s Modernist legacy, the interiors call back to Mid-century design while taking full advantage of durable, contemporary materials. Contrary to Brutalism’s reputation for starkness, Brutalist-era interiors often paired exposed architectural materials with strategic accents of color. Calling back this style, the distinctive bare brick walls of the library were restored and preserved with accents of rich color in tiles, flooring, and furniture. Playful LED lighting fixtures evoke elastic Mid-century lines and shapes.

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