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 Ottawa Library - Ottawa, Kansas Posted by:  iconions
N 38° 36.653 W 095° 16.088
15S E 302515 N 4276037
This two-story brown brick building is located at 515 S Main in Ottawa, Kansas.
Waymark Code: WMGV4W
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 04/10/2013
Views: 5
The old Carnegie Free Library in Ottawa is a rectangular two-story yellow brick building. It is located in the northwest corner of the city park. A shallow two-story temple portico frames the main entrance on the west. A one-story semi-circular projection at the east serves as an extension of the main reading room.
A raised foundation capped by a cut stone watertable supports the brick walls. The foundation is built of coursed, rough-pitched limestone. The fenestratlon is regular with the window openings accentuated by raised brick surrounds above stone sills. The hip roof is covered by standing seam metal roofing which has been painted red.
On the exterior, classical detailing is evident in the entrance portico and the wall cornice. Original detailing also remains in the interior, including wood columns and trim in the reading room.
Alterations
Generally, the historic integrity of this building is excellent. Only minor features have been changed. In 1972 the "Carnegie Free Library" sign was replaced. The new sign is located on the lower frieze rather than above the columns. Anodized aluminum storm windows have been added. Alterations to the main stairway and other interior rooms include the introduction of acoustical ceiling tile and modern decorative treatments.
- National Register Application
From the historical marker on the building (Please note that even though the marker states that this is a contributing building, the Ottawa Library has its own separate National Register listing:
Ottawa Carnegie Library
1903
This two story Neo-Classical building was built with
Andrew Carnegie's grant of $15,000 and was matched
by the City with a site and a commitment to devote
10% of the amount of the gift annually for
maintenance. The colossal order Ionic columns,
limestone watertable base, a terne metal roof with
decorative ridge crest & hip covers, and a rotunda or
hemicycle on the East gave distinction to this design
by George P. Washburn & Son, Architects.
A contributing building to the
Historic Ottawa Central Business District placed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Street address:
515 S Main
Ottawa, KS USA
66067
County / Borough / Parish: Franklin
Year listed: 1980
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1900-1924
Historic function: Education - Library
Current function: Education - Cultural Center
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.
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