From Carrie Willson, Calvert Library Executive Director
We could not be more excited about plans for the new Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch! This page will reflect progress updates and general timelines for the project.
Colimore Architects was awarded a contract for architecture and engineering for the new Twin Beaches Branch in February of 2020. Colimore contracted with HBM Architects to do the library-specific design for the project. Groundbreaking took place in spring of 2022 and the new library should be complete in winter of 2024. The new branch in North Beach will be nearly four times the size of the current space at the Captain’s Quarters in Chesapeake Beach. It will have a large meeting room that can be subdivided into two smaller 50-person meeting rooms, study space, a maker space, dedicated children’s and teen spaces as well as terraces with a view of the bay. We’re very excited to be bringing this 21st century library to life in the Twin Beaches community!
INFORMATION
FAQs
The roof structure will be capable of supporting future solar panels on the south facing slope of the butterfly roof.
Early investigation determined that the return on the investment for solar power was insufficient to be economically feasible for the project.
We are investigating grant opportunities to fund installation of an EV Charger. The under-building parking is being wired to support this.
All exterior lighting will be night sky friendly.
The design does not include a green roof. It is not required for stormwater management as per our civil engineer’s design, and would be a considerable added expense not currently in our budget.
The building will be built with LEED practices in mind but will not be certified. That is an added expense that we are not budgeting for. We are however, aiming for at least LEED Silver.
We will follow recommendations from US Green Building Council for bird safe glass. A required percentage of the glass will be patterned (small line or dot pattern) to deter birds.
Yes, the terrace railings will be child-safe.
Current design is a weathered gray wood-look siding. This is a through-body color to prevent scarring from scratches and prevent fading. The design team is assembling their selected exterior materials including the siding, structural wood members and wood soffit material for presentation to the Town. The selected color is not final until approved by the Town.
The exterior material is fiber cement planks installed with a horizontal reveal to simulate shiplap siding.
The intent of the design was not to “match” other buildings in town but to compliment the surrounding community. North Beach has an eclectic mix of styles and we want the library to stand out as a destination for customers and tourists who will use the facility.
Grand Opening is planned for Winter of 2024.
Construction is slated to begin in Spring of 2022.