Going … up?
The Fust Library takes it to a whole new level
The chimneys of the historic Johann Fust Library were the architectural inspiration for the newest addition to the library grounds. There is a new tower, looking much like one of the original chimneys, attached to the right side of the building. Inside this tower is the ultramodern elevator that leads to the offices of the Library Foundation on the library’s second floor.
“It embraces change without compromising the integrity of the historic building,” said Bobbie Marquis, executive director of the Foundation.
She is proud of the work that has been done and the board that has been “visionary,” in her eyes, with regard to maintaining the beauty, utility and culture of the 70-year-old library. The elevator provides access to the second floor, whereas previously access was solely up a narrow and steep stairway that was built off the loggia, behind the “stacks room” of the library.
The board had begun discussing the need for an elevator some 10 years ago, she said, but actually voted to initiate this aspect of the project three years ago. Among the first things necessary was to find an architectural firm to design and plan out the work required to add an elevator to the facility. The choice was not difficult, based on the success of the library renovations made in 2012 and 2013.
Seibert Architects of Sarasota was the obvious choice. This firm did the design and architecture that modernized the facility ten years ago. That work earned Seibert Architects the prestigious Merit Award of Excellence for Historic Preservation and Restoration from the American Institute of Architects in 2017. The Seibert team working on the elevator project included the firm’s president, Sam Holladay, and Michael Epstein, serving as principal architect.
Other local contractors involved in the elevator project included Ball Construction, general contractors, with Pat Ball, Ron Marcotte and Phil Mitchem leading that team. Leo Pfliger Construction, of Englewood, handled the excavation.
“Every one of these companies did a beautiful job,” noted Marquis. “They were all great to work with, too.”
Among the challenges the various contractors dealt with on the project was the closure of the wheelchair access entrance on the right side of the building. The Americans with Disabilities Act requirements insist on access for those who cannot use steps, so a temporary ramp was installed on the grounds to accommodate anyone who could not otherwise enter the building. That will come down in the near future.
Another challenge had to do with the high water table. To set the footings for the elevator and its tower, excavation needed to be deep, which meant water had to be extruded from the hole. The elevator footings are set nine feet deep, making the tower extremely secure. Some observers were concerned about the excess water in the surrounding area, but “these folks really know what they are doing,” explained Marquis. “They deal with excavating near the Gulf and into the water table frequently, so we knew there would not be a long-term problem with the water,” she said.
“Some people were concernedl that the elevator would disturb the beauty of the building and grounds. People love this building,” she said. The finished product puts those fears to rest, she believes. It seems the Seibert staff has a similar feeling about the property.
In addition, the plans for the elevator project had to be approved by the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board and by Lee County. Both entities gave their approval, “embracing the project,” in Marquis’ words, in September of 2019. Construction started in September 2021 and was completed almost exactly one year later, in spite of the complications a global pandemic tried to present.
While the outside of the elevator is totally consistent with the historic look of the library, the inside is sleek and silver, adding a modern touch, not unlike the feel of the library’s Media Center. A built-in doorbell sounds as the elevator reaches the second floor, announcing to those in the office that there is someone arriving. This is a charming touch, as is the grillwork at the base of the tower that is designed to look like leaves, but serves its practical purpose of drainage (see photo below).
Another delightful aspect of the elevator’s construction is that as you step out of it on the second floor, you walk across an enclosed threshold walkway. There are large windows on either side, giving the sense that you are walking through the treetops, and giving you a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the north and south picturesqueness of the Island.
On a more down-to-earth note, all the mechanical aspects of this elevator are contained within the tower, eliminating the need for an extra room to house them. This was one of the features that moved the board to select this manufacturer. Operation is also extremely smooth and quiet.
The elevator was manufactured by the Schindler Elevator Corporation, a Switzerland-based company with North American headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey and Toronto, Ontario. It is one of the leading global manufacturers of elevators, escalators and moving walks. Schindler employs more than 6,000 people in more than 160 locations in North America.
Marquis said that, “Thanks to the generosity of our many donors, we were able to fund the project without a capital campaign.”
While the new elevator will be used primarily by JF Foundation staff and board members, there is a plan in the works to bring more people to the library’s second floor. About a year ago, the board decided to move the Foundation staff into the upstairs space, which had been rented to a long-term private resident. That party moved into the library’s cottage, and the Johann Fust Library Foundation staff is no longer housed with the Lee County Library Services staff in very tight quarters for both groups. Without the need for renovations, the second floor was transformed into two sizable offices, a meeting space, kitchen, reception room and an outdoor porch.
“We are initiating a docent-led tour program,” Marquis announced. She said several volunteers have already offered to be trained as docents, giving tours of the library’s facilities and sharing the facility’s history, stories and value to the community. The reception area will be the starting place for these tours. This program will be starting during this upcoming season, she said.
As the upgrades to the library continue, Marquis sees new opportunities presenting themselves to enhance the library’s value to the community. She sees these efforts as the embodiment of the dream of the library’s founders, Louise and Roger Amory, to “maintain and preserve the buildings and gardens of the library while providing a literary and cultural center for the residents and visitors of Boca Grande.” Now the JF Library Foundation and staff of the Lee County Library Services can do that from both ground level and a second-story overlook.
