Happy Birthday, Jen Library! June 11, 2009
Posted by Deborah in : Jen Library , trackbackThe Jen Library opened its doors to the public on April 26, 1999. One of the largest art and architecture libraries in the United States, it was named for Jim and Lancy Jen, the two major benefactors making the library possible. The library takes up an entire city block on East Broughton Street in downtown Savannah and is made up of three buildings.
Levy's Department Store, circa 1945
The first building, built in 1890, was bought by Benjamin H. Levy to house the Levy’s Department store on the corner of Abercorn and Broughton Streets. Levy expanded the building and unified the two with one façade. Levy’s Department Store opened in 1925. In the 1950’s, the store was expanded again, now encompassing the entire block and giving the building a total of 85,000 square feet. Again a new façade covered the entire building. The newer construction was reinforced concrete, but the oldest structure is wooden and the rafters are still visible on the third floor west if you look up through the grid work. The middle building was steel beam construction. Most of the windows were covered on the second and third floors, except at the corners, where there are large floor to ceiling windows. The building included Savannah’s first escalator.
Maas Department Store, after closing
In 1986, Maas Brothers acquired the building after merging with Levy’s. It opened as Maas Brothers that year, but did not stay in business long. A bankruptcy in1990 closed the chain for good shortly after that.
The Savannah College of Art and Design acquired the building in 1996 through a grant from the Federated Department Stores. Donations for the renovations came from the Jens. Unfortunately, the escalator had to go, but was replaced by the now famous glass stairway. Savannah architect Lee Meyer planned the renovations. He kept the space open and utilized glass walls for classrooms and offices. Low book shelves created a feeling of spaciousness and enhanced accessibility. Furnishings for the building were custom made and the interior design was clean and modern with wood tones, metals, and glass.
Jen Library
Today, ten years later, the library has proved to be the vibrant and comfortable learning environment envisioned by the architects, designers, librarians, and benefactors. One thing we learned when talking to students during recent focus groups during planning for future growth is that they love coming to the library!
Sources cited: Savannah College of Art and Design, Restoration of an Architectural Heritage, by Connie Capozzola Pinkerton et al, Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, SC, 2004
Savannah Morning News, 8/30/1996, “SCAD library moving to Broughton Street,” by James Pilcher
Georgia Guardian, 4/30 through 5/6/1999, “SCAD Library nearing completion,” by Amy Goodpaster Strebe
Comments»
[...] You can read all about the history of the Jen Library and how it came to be by visiting the Special Collections Department website. Here’s the link! [...]