A Fire Hall Reused for Windsor Public Library’s John Muir Branch in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

In 2016, the Windsor Public Library Board (WPLB) purchased an abandoned historic fire hall and stable and through an extensive and challenging adaptive reuse project, opened the John Muir Branch in September 2019. Designed by architect, composer and heritage professional Jason Grossi, the space offers unique acoustics and modern aesthetics that honour the original character of the heritage building. The case study considers the challenges faced in revitalising the building and how the public library has provided an innovative space to support the needs of the community and 21st century library users.