MONTGOMERY TWP., NJ — Construction has begun on the new municipal and library building designed by DMR Architects to reflect the history and identity of Montgomery Twp. residents while addressing its current and future civic needs. It will be the new home for municipal offices, the police department, council chambers and an additional branch of the Somerset County Library System.
DMR’s plans for the 62,500 s/f municipal center were created after a unique collaborative approach that included input from more than 200 residents in addition to Montgomery Twp. and Somerset County officials, and embrace a contemporary style with spaces for community artwork and items of historical and cultural importance.
“It is exciting for the entire Montgomery community to begin construction on a new municipal center and library that will serve our community for generations to come.,” said Montgomery Mayor Sadaf Jaffer, speaking on behalf of the Twp. Committee. “I am so thankful to all the elected officials, professionals, and community members who worked on this project and ensured that it will be a beautiful representation of our diverse history and community.”
The new facility will offer seamless transitions between the interior and exterior through aesthetic touches such as the utilization of the same wood materials for columns supporting the exterior colonnade inside the library, glass wall dividers where appropriate to allow for transparency and emphasize connection, and stone floors and counters inside that reflect the zinc cladding used on the building’s facade.
“It is refreshing to work with a group of elected and civic leaders who take such pride in their community, and we’ve enjoyed creatively interpreting their functional and aesthetic needs,” said Pradeep Kapoor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, partner at DMR Architects. MAREJ
“It continues to be an honor to work with The Somerset County Improvement Authority and Montgomery Township.”
The entire building is ADA accessible and will be built to LEED standards with a roof that allows for the future installation of solar panels. The grounds of the 45-acre complex will preserve the view from Rt. 206 with multiple green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, out-of-doors meeting places, a rain garden and an outdoor event space. Additionally, the parking lot will feature multiple EV charging.
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