Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library- Washington, DC

The MLK Jr. Memorial Library has always been about great architecture. Designed in 1969 by the modernist marvel Mies van der Rohe, the new library replaced the lovely but antiquated 1901 Beaux Arts Carnegie Library in downtown Washington, D.C.

In an almost shocking stylistic switch-up, the ornate and substantial former library, was replaced by a mid-century glass structure. Costing $18 million, it was both Mies’ last building before his death, and his only public library. 

I can’t speak to the functionality of the building in the early years, but by the early 2000s, the building was plagued with deferred maintenance issues, frequently leaked, and smelled of mildew. It was a less than pleasant place to visit, let alone linger. 

So, while the library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, which limited design changes, it still needed a massive renovation if it was going to survive. While it would take another decade to finalize the plans, the library received a much needed $210 million modernization in 2017, courtesy of OTJ Architects and the Netherland based design firm Mecanoo. 

The end result is fantastic. It maintains the buildings mid-century spirit, in all its modern glory, while actually modernizing the structure. The design is utterly outstanding. From the sweeping staircases, to its phenomenal rooftop terrace, it is a modernist masterpiece once again.