The Design Citation of Merit is given for the restoration of the Arvonne Fraser Library, designed by Ralph Rapson. Built in 1963 as a credit union, and converted to a public library in 1967, Rapson’s work in Brutalism was especially distinctive, imbued with a liveliness and sense of surprise. The building’s defining original features include a floating concrete waffle slab ceiling/structure with skylights, board-formed site walls, and undulating brick and glass envelope. For years only the first floor of structure was occupied, and the lower level was abandoned due to accessibility issues and years of water infiltration. After local residents were adamant that it be preserved, improvements were made including access to all areas of the building, flexible spaces supporting changing needs, and the design of the new opening between the two floors, which provides light and openness to the windowless lower level.
"The design team managed to make every usable space functional and inviting. The lighting enhancements and reuse of the original natural lighting strategies draws the eye to the detail of the exposed structure detailing inherent in Brutalist design."
-Emily Rauh Pulitzer, 2020 Jury member
"The sustainability goals, community engagement process, and restoring to public use previously inaccessible spaces are all admirable parts of this project."
- Kim Yao, 2020 Jury chair
Client: Hennepin County Library
Restoration Team: MacDonald & Mack Architects, Quinn Evans Architects
Read More about the Arvonne Fraser Library
List of 2020 Modernism in America Award winners
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