ROSS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Constructed as part of the Buckskin Elementary School
Library Renovation/Addition
South Salem, Ohio

Client: Greenfield Exempted Village Schools

Total Area:
Total Building Area: 45,000 S.F.
Addition Size: 23,894 S.F.

Total Cost: $4,017,416

After more than 70 years of use, Buckskin Elementary was worn beyond repair, lacking capabilities to prepare students for the 21st century technology. It also lacked a library, computer lab, and many other standard amenities in today's schools. Yet because it had once been the area's only K-12 building, the school had become an icon of deep sentimental value to the citizens of South Salem. Although major additions and renovations would be costly, the community's priority was to maintain their historic building.

In response to community concern, the original building was restored with additions that doubled the school's size. The result is a true 21st century state of the art school within a 1920s facade.

The original building did not contain a library, and students had to leave school grounds to use the adjacent public library. Because the nearby library was planning to move from its inadequate building and Buckskin needed a library, the two entered into a joint venture and relocated the public library into the school's addition. Besides providing an in-house library for students, the public library was able to expand circulation and technology. It also allows for close collaboration between the library and school staffs.

The addition created a new front entrance to the school that maintains historic design elements. The library was located in the front of the building for easy access for both the students and the public. The innovative library design is adaptable for school use during the day and public use after school hours.

To alleviate crowded conditions, the school gained seven classrooms, a music room, an art room, and an administration wing. Inadequate kitchen and dining facilities were updated, and radiators were replaced with an efficient dual-duct system that includes air conditioning. With the addition of a new computer lab and hypermedia retrieval systems, a complete electrical system upgrade accommodates increasing technology.

TRIAD ARCHITECTS LTD
936 EASTWIND DRIVE, SUITE 202
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43081
USA

T 614 942 1050
F 614 942 1059

main@triadarchitects.com