Flint Public Library in Michigan has won the American Institute of Architects — Iowa Chapter’s 2022 Excellence in Design award.  

The $20 million project transformed a 1950s-era 94,000-sf building into a modern and flexible space. 

IMEG provided civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering design services. OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids served as architect and was the recipient of the AIA Iowa award. 

The building was not originally designed for library bookshelf loading. IMEG designed a plan to reinforce the existing floor and beams cost effectively, while keeping the architect’s plan for an open layout and central learning staircase that has wider and deeper stairs and can be used for seating. 

IMEG also redesigned the grading, and designed a new roof, drain, subdrain and inlet collection system to stop groundwater and stormwater from getting into the building.  

Other improvements included using smaller book stacks to improve sight lines and access to daylight; creating a Children’s Learning Place, Community Room, Learning Staircase, Internet Cafe and Digital Learning Hub; expanding the Local History and Genealogy space; creating outdoor gathering spaces, and interactive kiosks that display the African American Sports Hall of Fame archives.