CARTER G. WOODSON LIBRARY
UJAMAA Construction (“UJAMAA”) was awarded the envelope replacement of the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library located on the southside of Chicago. This historic facility was named for Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of African-American Historiography”.
A prolific writer and Founder of the Association for the Study of Negro History and Life, Woodson made numerous contributions to the study of Black American history and culture. In 1926, Dr. Woodson proposed and established an annual observance, Negro History Week, which grew into the nationally celebrated African American History Month, or “Black History Month,” held each February.
The work included recladding of the building’s exterior walls, upgrades to flooring, lighting and paint in lobby and other public areas, build-out of new early childhood space, updated guardrails and handrails on monumental stairway, ADA upgrades construction of two study rooms on the 2nd floor and addition of two parking spots for people with disabilities.
The demolition and construction of a new facade during Chicago’s winter months proved itself a task to be overcome. Demolition took place on one of the busier intersections of Chicago’s Southside. This project also involved the use of weather sensitive roofing materials and the challenge of keeping everything watertight during the winter months. The UJAMAA team overcame these challenges and completed a monumental project on time and on budget. This project will impact the neighborhood for years to come.
Project
Carter G. Woodson Library
Location
- Chicago, Illinois
Project Type
- Institutional / Cultural
Client Name
- City of Chicago Department of Fleet & Facility Management
Architect
- Exp U.S. Services
Delivery Method
- General Contractor
Square Footage
- 65,000 Sq Ft
