Academic and Research Library Project Information

In 1987 Michaels Associates completed the needs assessment portion of a feasibility study to determine the adequacy of the Virginia State Library & Archives existing building and site to satisfy the institution's needs for the next twenty years. This outline program and space needs projection report included all foreseeable technologies, preservation considerations and departmental adjacencies. Security and preservation of many irreplaceable collections were an important part of the study. 650,000 square feet were projected for a new facility as programmed in conjunction with the vision of State Librarian, Ella Gaines Yeates. Although the State decided, due to budget constraints, to fund a significantly smaller building, ten years later State Librarian Nolan Yellich dedicated a very impressive new facility.