Archinect - News

'Masterpiece' mural finally getting a face lift at Grosse Pointe library

2014-01-10T10:44:00-05:00

The mural project is part of a renewed attention to the Central Library in Grosse Pointe Farms, which received approval from the Grosse Pointe Library Board in October for more than $241,000 in outside masonry repairs, according to Library Director Vickey Bloom.

News from the Grosse Pointe library by Marcel Breuer, saved thanks to the efforts of MAPA, a group that came together through Archinect!

Grosse Pointe Central Library: Efforts Towards Conservation

Virtual Activism

Grosse Pointe Public Library receives $50,000 grant to preserve historic Central branch library

2008-03-11T19:14:00-04:00

World Monuments Fund lends hand to help save endangered building...
Previously on Archinect:
SAVE ME! Grosse Pointe Central Library, designed by Marcel Breuer (1953) - slated for demolition
A year in the life of the Grosse Pointe Public Library

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has awarded the Grosse Pointe Public Library Central branch a $50,000 grant toward the preservation of the building.

Built in 1953, Central branch library is the only building in the Detroit area designed by renowned architect Marcel Breuer. Recently, the WMF placed the library on its 2008 watch list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites, which calls international attention to culturally significant sites that are threatened by neglect, vandalism, armed conflict, climate change or natural disaster. The Central branch library was selected as part of a group of buildings listed under “Main Street Modern.”

“We are grateful for the World Monuments Fund’s generous grant, which is critical to our...

Buckhead Branch Library may be Razed

2008-02-11T18:00:00-05:00

We've been receiving news today that the Buckhead Branch Library, designed by Mack Scogin/Merrill Elam (Scogin Elam Bray at the time), is in danger of being razed if local developers Ben Carter Properties get their way. The developers want to purchase the library, tear it down and replace it with a parking lot. Even more disappointing than the possible fate of the library, is the description of the building as "an abortion" by Fulton County Commissioner Tom Lowe.

This sounds like a job for MAPA!

Photos copyright Hursley Photography

"That library, to my way of thinking, was an abortion the day it was dedicated," Fulton County Commissioner Tom Lowe said. "I am a lover of art. I can even stand abstract art. But God darn, who in the world would build something like that? There ain't no damn artistic value to that library."

Charles Loudermilk, the founder of Aaron Rents, agreed. "I see it from my window. I think it's ugly," Loudermilk said. "I like brick and limestone, stuff that looks ...

A year in the life of the Grosse Pointe Public Library

2008-01-03T10:04:00-05:00

The Grosse Pointe Public Library had its focus on the future during 2007. Beth Quinn of the Grosse Pointe News provides a brief overview of the activity surrounding the library this past year. GPN | related feature 1 | 2

Modern Preservation

2007-07-09T10:48:00-04:00

Blair Kamin wrote an article in the Sunday Tribune touching on the topic of modern architecture preservation, or lack there of. It was interesting he brought up Breur's Cleveland trust but failed to mention Gross Point and the successful effort of MAPA to save it even though a member had sent the details of the effort to him. Well - that must be the creative license one takes when you're just a critic. Full article here.

SAVE ME

2007-02-08T11:50:00-05:00

Grosse Pointe has a cultural treasure that is in danger of being demolished - the Central Library, designed by Marcel Breuer. The Modern Architecture Protection Agency (MAPA) was organized by a group of concerned Archinect members with the express purpose of demonstrating that design ingenuity can lead to solutions that accommodate contemporary needs while respecting modern landmarks.

To this end, we have organized a Design Charrette that will show the Grosse Pointe Library’s Board of Directors that imaginative solutions can solve their programmatic needs while saving the Breuer-designed facility from demolition. GO