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Arvonne Fraser Library

Southeast Library, State Capitol Credit Union
Excellent
  • Brutalist
  • Identity of Building/Site

Arvonne Fraser Library

Site overview

The Arvonne Fraser Library is a neighborhood library like no other in Minneapolis, distinctive in both its Brutalist design, by Ralph Rapson, and the community it serves in the heart of Dinkytown, an area adjacent to the University of Minnesota. Built in 1963 as a credit union, and converted to a public library in 1967, the Library serves the University of Minnesota area, including the Marcy-Holmes, Prospect Park, and Cedar-Riverside neighborhoods, with patrons including college students and families from myriad cultural backgrounds.

Arvonne Fraser Library

Site overview

The Arvonne Fraser Library is a neighborhood library like no other in Minneapolis, distinctive in both its Brutalist design, by Ralph Rapson, and the community it serves in the heart of Dinkytown, an area adjacent to the University of Minnesota. Built in 1963 as a credit union, and converted to a public library in 1967, the Library serves the University of Minnesota area, including the Marcy-Holmes, Prospect Park, and Cedar-Riverside neighborhoods, with patrons including college students and families from myriad cultural backgrounds.

Awards

Design

Citation of Merit

Civic

2020

The Design Citation of Merit is given for the restoration of the Arvonne Fraser Library, designed by Ralph Rapson. Built in 1963 as a credit union, and converted to a public library in 1967, Rapson’s work in Brutalism was especially distinctive, imbued with a liveliness and sense of surprise. The building’s defining original features include a floating concrete waffle slab ceiling/structure with skylights, board-formed site walls, and undulating brick and glass envelope. For years only the first floor of structure was occupied, and the lower level was abandoned due to accessibility issues and years of water infiltration. After local residents were adamant that it be preserved, improvements were made including access to all areas of the building, flexible spaces supporting changing needs, and the design of the new opening between the two floors, which provides light and openness to the windowless lower level.

"The design team managed to make every usable space functional and inviting. The lighting enhancements and reuse of the original natural lighting strategies draws the eye to the detail of the exposed structure detailing inherent in Brutalist design."
-Emily Rauh Pulitzer, 2020 Jury member

"The sustainability goals, community engagement process, and restoring to public use previously inaccessible spaces are all admirable parts of this project."

- Kim Yao, 2020 Jury chair
Client

Hennepin County Library

Restoration Team

MacDonald & Mack Architects, Quinn Evans Architects

How to Visit

Open to the public

Location

1222 4th St SE
Minneapolis, MN, 55414
More visitation information

Case Study House No. 21

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Designer(s)

Ralph Rapson

Architect

Nationality

American

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January 10, 2023

Related chapter

Minnesota

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