The Santa Fe Public Library's Main Branch has been a downtown landmark for decades. Originally built in 1907, the building was in need of repairs and renovation to ensure its continued use to the community for years to come. The City of Santa Fe’s Facilities Division, in collaboration with Davenport Construction Management, has recently completed a project to stabilize the exterior of the facility and give it a fresh new look while the Facilities Division works on a long-term historic renovation plan similar to what was just completed at the Historic Santa Fe Train Depot.

The project included:

• Surface preparation, where loose plaster/stucco was removed, then patched with new stucco to create a stable and even surface.
• Exterior painting of the facility with elastomeric paint and of the building’s exterior woodwork and trim with vinyl paint. This helped seal the building, preventing further degradation of the shell and trim/woodwork while also dramatically improving its appearance.

This stabilization work has improved the appearance of the building and will ensure the health of the facility until the comprehensive renovation is initiated in the future. Check out these before and after shots below to see the results, and be sure to swing by to see it in person if you're in the area!