Central Library of Multnomah County (Portland, Ore.)
Originally Carrere & Hastings were seriously considered to design Multnomah County’s Central Library. Built in 1913, the library was designed by a local firm in the Georgian style of architecture.
The external building has the names of famous people in science and the humanities from ancient times until the early 20th century etched on large stones which help make-up the external walls. The stone fence surrounding the property has built-in benches also with the names of the famous. The arched windows are large and wide, suggesting openness.
Major renovations were made to the building 1994-1997 for technology, at the same time the structure was strengthened against earthquakes. Also, the previous renovations that covered much of the original decoration and structure were removed. New, impressive decoration was added to complement the original design. The new main staircase to the second floor of the library, made of black marble etched with leaves and vines, is one such addition.
The library makes use of columns and arches on all floors. The third floor, which was added in the renovation, mimics the two lower floors in design. There is a large, lighted stained glass window over the staircase, and a covered, lighted occulus over the middle of the floor.