Shortlist for D.C.'s MLK Library renovation narrowed down to 3 teams

Three finalist teams have advanced into the last round of the search for an architect to renovate — or possibly redesign — Washington D.C.'s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Back in October, the competition had already narrowed down the list of applicants to 10 teams with the invitation to create technical proposals on how they would approach renovating the Mies van der Rohe-designed library.

The three finalists are:

• Patkau Architects / Ayers Saint Gross with Krueck + Sexton
• Martinez + Johnson Architects / Mecanoo Architects
• STUDIOS Architecture / The Freelon Group

Renovating the modernist 1972 structure, which received historic landmark status in 2007, will be challenging: after years of neglect, the building systems are completely outdated, asbestos demands special renovation care, and the library's program isn't up to par with the demands of a 21st century institution anymore.

The finalist teams are invited to submit two proposals each, one for a mixed-use solution that considerably expands the structure's program and one for a strict building renovation as a stand-alone library.

The public presentation of the final proposals is scheduled for Saturday, February 15.