Peabody Institute Library

The historical Peabody Institute Library was constructed in 1854 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  An earlier renovation in the 1970s did not preserve the original, historic quality of the building, and the building faced numerous HVAC deficiencies.  Many of the 25,000 SF building’s systems, including the 30-year-old control system, were beginning to fail.  Of critical importance for updating was the specialized HVAC system required for the archival storage rooms which contain an abundance of antiquated, historic documents which require proper conditions for necessary preservation measures.

RDK Engineers provided HVAC, plumbing, and electrical engineering services for the renovations and upgrades to the HVAC system, which will protect the valuable documents in the library’s possession and allow patrons to visit, study, and read in comfort.  Work included improvements to the building’s energy efficiency, all new ceiling and lighting, high efficiency boilers, and all new mechanical pumps.  In addition, RDK brought aboard Menders, Torrey & Spencer Architects to help bring the main room back to its historic, 19th-century feel.

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