Reading the Community Well
SPOHN ASSOCIATES HELPS RENEW THIS FORWARD-THINKING COMMUNITY CENTER OF LEARNING
Carmel, IN
AGS representative, Spohn Associates, is proud to feature some pre-construction excitement about their recently completed Carmel Clay Library project, in Carmel, IN. What makes this project such a community success? Read on to find out how this endeavor enriched a community with thoughtful considerations from the start.
“The Main Library project is about positioning the library for the next 20 years…”
In order to better serve its growing community needs, the Carmel Clay Public Library, (Carmel, IN) has expanded and renovated its Main Library. Since the building opened its doors in 1999, the library’s service population has doubled. In 2019, annual library checkouts reached nearly 2.2 million, and over 600,000 people visited library locations. The Main Library project is the result of nearly three years of planning. Design and construction initiatives were implemented with the collaboration of RATIO Architects (Architect), Skillman Corporation (Construction Manager), Spohn Associates (Architectural Installation) and the Veridus Group (Owner’s Representative).
“Our intention is to make sure that the library remains a good reflection of what the community needs it to be.”
Patrons can now enjoy enhanced features at the library, including a significantly increased program capacity highlighted by a dividable 300-person room and additional rooms tailored for programs and events. A newly constructed parking garage and covered bridge provide convenient access to the library, while the relocation of the Digital Media Lab to within the library itself eliminates the need for offsite leased space. The library has also expanded its dedicated area for teens and introduced outdoor spaces for both public enjoyment and library events, enhancing the overall community experience.
“In a sense, the Carmel Public Library is holding a mirror to the community and reflecting back some community values of education and literacy.”
The Main Library project aims to achieve several key goals. These include expanding capacity for events and programs and enhancing parking facilities to accommodate larger gatherings and the growing needs of the facility. The Young Adult space has also been enlarged to foster greater engagement and expand services for teens. Additionally, improvements and updates are planned for the Youth Services Department, while increasing seating and meeting areas will enhance opportunities for study and tutoring. The project also focuses on improving access to new and existing technologies and shaping outdoor spaces to facilitate additional program opportunities. Furthermore, it seeks to extend the architectural presence of the Arts & Design District, all while prioritizing environmental responsibility through measures aimed at reducing building energy use.
“We’re keeping a lot of what people love about the library, but this is also an effort to modernize and make the space a current reflection of how the library’s being used today.”
With this in mind, architectural installation team, Spohn Associates, brings architectural design communities and building contractors together to provide knowledge of, and access to, the industry’s best products. Although the dynamic is relatively simple, to excel at it requires superior levels of service, trust and accountability.
“Spohn Associates has facilitated many long-lasting customer relationships between AGS, Inc. and glazing contractors in the Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio regions. Of which, the Carmel Clay Library was the first of many of our project collaborations with Robert’s Glass & Service. A large part of the success of the library’s sunshade design was the excellent coordination between our teams in regards to scheduling, attachment methods, design and installation.
We are privileged to be involved in long awaited community facilities such as these. Our ability to provide pre-engineered, pre-assembled shades kept the jobsite running smooth, thus helping the team hit their target completion date.
Besides functionality, the aluminum sunshade design makes a statement with its deep projections, creating both architectural depth and detail. The architectural design also achieved cohesion with uniform shapes specified in the blades of the horizontal and vertical shades.”
Sarah Bauer – AGS Senior Project Manager
About Spohn Associates
In 1976, after working in the construction industry for ten years, Jack Spohn had a goal in mind — he wanted to create a manufacturer’s rep agency that possessed a strong focus on building and maintaining relationships. He did not want to step out of the picture once an order was received, but rather become a local presence for reliable, honest and knowledgeable information on the products and services his company would provide.
…And so began his life as a manufacturer’s representative.
Spohn Associates, brings the architectural design communities and building contractors together to provide knowledge of, and access to, the industry’s best products. Although the dynamic is relatively simple, to excel at it requires superior levels of service, trust and accountability. Jack Spohn was inspired to do it better than anyone else.
SPOHN TODAY
Fast forward over four and a half decades and you will find an Architectural Installation Company led by Eric Spohn that still embraces those original ideals. Spohn Associates, Inc. now covers three states with an extensive array of architectural products. Despite the growth, the company has always been fueled by the power of human relationships.
We are inspired when architects are empowered to design; when manufacturers dare to innovate; and when contractors recognize the value of quality and service.
Mostly, we are inspired by opportunities to serve the commercial construction industry and to better our communities in the process.
Indianapolis Headquarters
Address: 7150 Winton Dr. Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Email: Estimating@spohnassociates.com
Telephone: 317-921-0021
Cincinnati / Dayton Office
Address: 3181 Linwood Ave., Ste. 26
Cincinnati, OH 45208
Email: Andy Muhlada
Telephone: 513-321-8200
Columbus Office
Address: 7749 Marrisey Loop
Galena, OH 43021
Email: Bobby Khourie
Telephone: 740-913-0007
Louisville Office
Address: 12921 W. U.S. Hwy 42
Prospect, KY 40059
Email: Matt Hale
Telephone: 502-228-5828
References
Credit to Carmel Clay Public Library Website article and quotations dated 8/30/2022
https://carmelclaylibrary.org/main-library-project