Mesabi Black Granite Inspires Creative Library Design
More than 30,000 square feet of granite pieces, each characterized with rustications or reveals, define the contemporary and impressive structure of Charles Library at Temple University
Nestled on the campus of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, Charles Library is one of the country’s most modern and significant new library constructions in recent history. With a design that pushes the limits of creativity, the library fulfills the architect’s intent to spur imagination and inspire excellence. Key to the building’s striking design is Mesabi Black® granite from Coldspring, specified for exterior cladding, windowsills, soffits, coping and a green roof wall facade.
Coldspring worked hand-in-hand with the architecture firm Snohetta of New York to meet the design intent. The architect visited Coldspring’s Mesabi Black quarry in Babbitt, MN, before the project’s start to view numerous mock-ups of the material and finish options. “The architect reviewed several material options in the early design review and Mesabi Black became the leading consideration early on in the process,” explained Duane Krueger, regional sales manager for Coldspring. Additionally, during the project design phase the architect visited the production facilities to view material mock-ups to gain a greater understanding of the color range, natural characteristics, physical properties and review the various finish options, according to Krueger.