RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — The Library of Virginia has selected Richmond-based architectural firm Baskervill to lead the schematic design of a transformative renovation of its building in downtown Richmond, located at 800 East Broad Street. The multi-year project will reimagine 112,749 square feet on the Library’s first and second floors to improve the visitor experience, focusing on accessibility, flexibility and community engagement.

Baskervill will be joined on the project by Shepley Bulfinch, a Boston-based architecture firm renowned for library design, to implement a design phase that will include extensive stakeholder engagement. 

“We’re excited to work with Baskervill and Shepley Bulfinch to create spaces that inspire learning, foster connection and celebrate Virginia’s rich history,” said Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark. “This renovation is about more than redesigning our physical space — it’s about enhancing our ability to exceed expectations of Virginians and all who engage with us in person and online.”

“The Library of Virginia is a longstanding repository of the Commonwealth it serves, and this renovation will carry that legacy forward with a balance of continuity and renewal,” said Anca Lipan, AIA, LEED AP BD + C , Principal, Baskervill. “Together with Shepley Bulfinch, we’re honored to revive and reimagine the landmark’s most defining strengths, extending the building’s role beyond its community into a living center of knowledge that connects local heritage with wider networks of discovery.” 

The renovation will address a number of priorities designed to enrich public use and support a modern, safe and welcoming visitor experience. These include:

• upgrades to conference and event facilities to support increased use and modern broadcasting capabilities
• reconfiguration of reading rooms to reflect the changing nature of research and scholarship
• consolidation of service points for improved efficiency and user experience
• enhancement of exhibition areas, including the creation of a new permanent “Virginia Experience” gallery
• relocation of the café space and the gift shop to activate the street level and invite greater public interaction

Planning is underway, with detailed design and pre-construction efforts expected to continue through 2027. A phased construction schedule is targeted to begin in early 2028 and continue for approximately two and a half years, with a focus on maintaining continuity in public services and staff operations. 

The Library will share regular updates throughout the renovation process to keep the public informed and engaged. To learn more about the Library of Virginia, visit www.lva.virginia.gov.

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ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA 

The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on-site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov.

ABOUT BASKERVILL

Baskervill, an award-winning full-service architectural, engineering and interior design firm, delivers world-class services to a diverse client base that ranges from hospitality, corporate, healthcare, retail, financial and industrial institutions to Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Baskervill offers a rich history of ingenuity, integrity and technical expertise that has made them a premiere service provider in the Mid-Atlantic and across the country. To learn more about Baskervill or to see a project portfolio, visit www.baskervill.com.