Kodet Architectural Group worked with Dakota County to renovate and add a 1,500 sf addition to the Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings, MN. The 16,500 sf building was built in 1994 and remained bereft of any renovations during its 25-year lifespan. The facility needed an upgrade to meet the needs of a 21st century library.
Three main forces drove the County’s decision to remodel and expand the library. After conducting research, it was determined the library needed more meeting space, a redesigned children’s area, and overall updates. As such, the team expanded the community meeting room to hold up to 100 people, designed a larger themed children’s area for the library, and added a maker space to update programming. The remodel also addressed the needs for upgraded furniture, a reorganized entry, improved library circulation, as well as upgrades to technology.
Other improvements include:
The Kodet project team paid close attention to Hastings’ historic character, seeking to incorporate the city’s characteristics into the library for a true sense of place. The team emphasized the importance of the library’s book collection, community feedback, and staff input throughout the design process. These considerations shaped the project direction and allowed the team to prioritize elements of the renovation.
