Webster University Emerson Library architecture

---

 The decision to build a library on Webster's campus was made in the 1990s. The administration desired a central location not only for the library's collections but also as a common meeting place for intellectual life on campus. With its Cyber Café, Library Conference room, group study rooms, Listening/viewing area, eCommons, and Faculty Development Center, this goal has been successfully achieved.

 

Facts and dates

• Architects: Perry Dean Rogers | Partners Architects, Boston, MA
• Interior Design: Spellman Brady & Company, St. Louis, MO
• Plaza Design: CYLA Design Associates, Oak Park, IL
• Contractor: Paric Corporation in association with Kwame Building Group, Inc., St. Louis, MO
• Emerson Library is named for the Emerson Electric Co.

Dates:

• Groundbreaking: October 30, 2001
• Book Chain: June 30, 2003
• Open: July 1, 2003
• Dedication: September 22, 2003

Construction required:

• 490 tons of steel
• 13 million lbs of concrete
• 95,000 bricks
• 9,000 sq. ft. of glass
• 32 miles of wiring
• 750 data connections
• 35,000 linear ft. of shelving

Total project cost including construction, equipment, furniture and plaza: $21 million
Funded, in part, through the New Traditions Campaign.

 

Features:

• Square feet: 71, 500
• Floors: 5
• Seating: over 700
• Size of collection: over 285,000 books, periodicals, videos, and other media

_{Return to Emerson Library history}