Birchard Public Library Addition & Renovation

Originally constructed in 1887, the highly anticipated expansion and renovation of the Birchard Public Library involved closing High Street in Fremont, Ohio, and adding a new two-story, 57’ x 79’ section at the west end of the existing building across the now-closed street. The addition was built first, allowing the library staff to move into the new space and enabling the renovation of the original 25,000-square-foot library to begin.

Upon completion, the library’s main entrance was relocated to the new addition, which includes a larger children’s area and new offices on the first floor. The upgraded library now features a reading mezzanine, Wi-Fi café, custom reading enclosures, a recording studio, meeting rooms for public use, and a striking front lobby.

Additionally, Mosser constructed a new parking lot next to the new entrance on the building’s west side, complete with underground stormwater retention, landscaping, and a reading garden. Mosser also self-performed select demolition, concrete, general trades, and masonry work for the project.

Despite preconstruction challenges such as price increases, long lead times, and other market-related issues, Mosser successfully completed the project on budget.