Miraleste Library Expansion
Palos Verdes Estates, California

The Miraleste Branch Library, sited in a pastoral setting overlooking the San Pedro Harbor, serves the City of Palos Verdes Estates. Originally constructed in 1967, the branch library program had long since outgrown its existing structure's limitation and had become overcrowded and technologically outdated. In 2007, working with the Palos Verdes Library District, the Library Board and the public through presentation meetings, M2A analyzed the existing facility and developed five master plan options ranging from very low impact to full reconstruction. From these, M2A developed one preferred option in response to the outreach process requirements.

The resultant scheme creates a new dual Library entrance, and will add a new Youth Wing including new Children’s Room with Storytelling area, Teen Collection, new Staff areas/lounge, clerestory windows and a new outdoor Storytelling Terrace. The existing branch layout will be reconfigured to include a new expandable meeting room, adult reading areas, new toilet facilities, and new reference and circulation areas. The branch will have 14 new computers, flexible expansion and 30% more collection capacity. Site renovations include an additional 16 parking stalls, storm water bioswale, botanical garden path and compliant ADA accessible entrances.