Haydon Burns Library

When it was built in 1965, Jacksonville's main library was considered state of the art.

The library trustees' building committee and Taylor Hardwick visited six significant new libraries throughout the United States and incorporated the best thinking in library design and operation into the final concept.

A nationally known library consultant, John Hall Jacobs, also contributed to the development of the design program. Construction cost in 1965 was $3.7 million. (Equivalent to $22.3 million in 2004 dollars.) The building and site are now on the tax rolls for $6.2 million.

Taylor Hardwick specified and designed all interior furnishings, graphics, and innovative free-standing book shelves. His attention to detail extended to a careful use of cheerful color and a sensitive use of natural light.

With Jacksonville's new main library nearing completion, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) recommended sale of this magnificent building to the Atkins Group, a development concern which wants to raze the library building and replace it with an ill-conceived mixed-use condo project.

On November 28, 2005, Atkins withdrew their bid, ostensibly citing onerous city requirements for deposits, which would assure that Atkins adheres to their proposal. With that bid withdrawn, JEDC gave another chance to runner-up Peterbrooke Chocolatier, which had plans to reuse the building as a combination chocolate production facility, museum, and teaching facility for confectionary programs. After consultant studies reportedly indicated a $750,000 bill for environmental remediation. (See 10 March 2006 Florida Times-Union story here.)

Subsequently, JEDC approached second runner-up Main Branch LLC, which had initially proposed purchasing the property for $3.25 million and converting the existing structure into a mixed use development which would retain most of the buildings design elements and charm. (See 18 March 2006 Florida Times-Union story here.)

On March 9, 2007, preservation consultant James Massey sent the following letter to Taylor Hardwick, acknowledging the importance of the Haydon Burns building.

Dear Taylor:

With your kindness in taking me on a tour of the old Jacksonville Library with Joel McEachin, we have been able effectively to use the library and plans for its future as a case study in the course that Shirley Maxwell and I present for the National Preservation Institute, "Identification and Evaluation of Mid-Twentieth Century Buildings".

The library is a complex and sophisticated design, clearly identified with its 1960s period, and the class assignment of evaluating it as a model for architectural design and function in its decade is right to the point. Shirley and I use a lecture with slides and distribute copies of your plans and a color aerial perspective as reference material. We explain the history and current controversy about its future, as it is clearly a design specifically created for this particular use and site. In this aspect it is unlike the mass of "generic" modern design that we commonly encounter in our teaching. We have already used the library in a variety of course venues. The course attendees are professionals drawn not only form the area in which the course is given, but also from across the nation. So far we have used it in Austin, Santa Fe, Phoenix, Portland (OR), and Little Rock, and next week we will use it again in Baton Rouge. It always proves to be a controversial subject, just as it has been in Jacksonville, but the class conclusions in each case have been a strong decision supporting the preservation and reuse of the building.

Course attendees have also consistently concluded that the building is clearly National Register eligible as well. This result pleases us considerably, as we are both convinced of its architectural significance for its design, art, and function, and as a distinctive ornament in the growth of Jacksonville into a major city.

I look forward to keeping in touch with you, and Shirley looks forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

James C. Massey

cc: Joel McEachin

	Postcard image of the 126,000-sq. ft., three story building. Note provision for addition of fourth floor, with small columns stubbed through the roof and two elevator towers constructed for that purpose. Two colors of gravel were used for flat roof coating to provide interesting view for occupants of neighboring highrises.
The shaded south garden provides a pleasant view from reading rooms as well as insulation from street traffic.
	Main lobby stairway to mezzanine. Glazed brick murals by artist Ann Williams were commissioned by Taylor Hardwick.
Located on the mezzanine level is a 200-seat auditorium with stage, audio-visual equipment, special lighting, and an acoustical brick wall (at right).
	Forsyth Street retaining wall contains reading room garden. Pre-cast concrete fins (above) with aluminum panels shade exterior glass on all three floors. Semicircular alcoves on street level break monotony of retaining wall and provide sidewalk enhancement.
View from corner of Forsyth and Ocean Streets highlights south sunscreen and retaining wall with alcoves.
	Night view of north shows glass on all floors. Design provides natural daylight and display of interior for pedestrians. Arrangement sought to invite pedestrians into the building.
East wall on Ocean Street with precast wall panels and wind-bracing shaped fins. Drive-up book drops have since been removed.
	Third-floor roof garden is open to the sky and provides a pleasant view for surrounding offices.
Exterior mural by Ann Williams near front entrance.
	Parapet ornamentation on elevator towers.