Government · Education

Carnegie Library Restoration

Dark-wood built-ins, glass bookcases, and custom desks worthy of a historic civic library.

Project Highlights

Industry: Government, Education
Location: Chicagoland
Scope of Work: Circulation & reference desks, Reading-room built-ins, Glass-door bookcases, Wall paneling
Materials: Solid wood, Wood veneer, Glass
Quality Standard: AWI Custom Grade

Institutional work is built to outlast trends, and a historic Carnegie library sets the bar high. This project brought custom dark-wood millwork into a civic space where craftsmanship and longevity matter as much as the spec.

We fabricated a curved circulation desk and matching reference desks, floor-to-ceiling glass-door bookcases, and reading-room built-ins and wall paneling. The detailing honors the building’s character while meeting the durability and accessibility requirements of a public facility — work meant to serve readers for decades.

Technical summary

Pio's Role

Shop drawings, field measuring, material coordination, fabrication, finishing, delivery, and installation.

Challenge

Restoration work has to match historic character while meeting current durability and accessibility expectations — curved desk fabrication, glass-door bookcase hardware, and veneer-to-solid-wood coordination that stands up to public use.

Result

Circulation and reference desks, reading-room built-ins, and glass-door bookcases built to belong in a landmark civic interior.