Memorial Hall Library Entrance Construction Project 1994

In 1993, Memorial Hall Library undertook a front-entrance and foyer redesign project. The primary goal of the project was to return the building to a front landscape and walkway design closer to the original 1920's design. Local landscape architect Peter Hornbeck (Hornbeck, Peter) designed the entrance and Andover architect Jane Griswold supervised the installation which included native plants and flowers, an oval brick patio and granite curbing and park seating. Project funding included individual and corporate private donors, Memorial Hall Library Trustee funds and state funds.

The front entrance project was originally part of a major 1987 renovation and addition project. Due to a state-funding budget shortfall, the front-entrance redesign project was not underway until the summer of 1994. The Andover Historic Footprints Committee, led by Ann Constantine, Norma Gammon and Larry Lamagna raised more than $60,000 from private donations to ensure the completion of the work.

In addition to the exterior work on the property, the library's front foyer was enhanced with decorative painting featuring a border with the names of New England authors and ivy vines. A plaque comemorating the Historic Footprints donors was mounted in the foyer at the time.

A small delay in the completion of the project was reported on in the September 1, 1994 edition of the Lawrence Eagle Tribune. The delay was due to the fact that the granite curbing company delivered pieces that did not fit as they were supposed to. The final dedication for the new park landscaping and stonework as well as a newly renovated foyer was held on January 8, 1995. The foyer was dedicated to Nancy Jacobson who served as Director of Memorial Hall Library from 1974 to 1993.

See

Andover Townsman, Library Park Foyer Dedication January 1, 1995
Andover Townsman, " Another Small Delay in Memorial Hall Library Construction" September 1, 1994
Andover Townsman, "Bricks for the Library" June 17, 1993
Andover Townsman, "Raising Funds for the Library, " June 24, 1993

...After Project Completion.... click to enlarge

...Library Entrance Prior to 1994 Entrance Work.... click to enlarge

...Front Entrance Redesign Articles.... click to enlarge

...MHL Front Entrance.... click to enlarge

...Brick Fundraiser Flier.... click to enlarge

--Stephanie (talk) 12:00, 4 March 2021 (EST)

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