The Escanaba Public Library, located at 201 South Seventh Street in Escanaba, is a notable Carnegie library that holds significant historical and architectural value. Constructed in 1903 with a $20,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. In 1976 it was designated a Michigan State Historic Site.
Andrew Carnegie’s donation was part of his broader initiative to promote public libraries across the United States. In return for the grant, the city of Escanaba committed to providing annual funds for the library’s operation, ensuring its sustainability and service to the community.
The library was designed by Theodore Lohff, a local architect known for his contributions to public buildings in the region. The design exemplifies the Classical Revival style. It is characterized by its elegant and timeless architectural elements. The building was constructed using red brick and Lake Superior sandstone. There is a rough-faced stone foundation that adds to its enduring presence.
The front facade of the Carnegie library is particularly striking. It features a portico entrance with an entablature and pediment supported by four Ionic columns. This grand entrance reflects the Classical Revival style’s emphasis on symmetry and grandeur. Windows on the facade are flanked by pilasters and topped with lintels. This serves to lighten the building’s mass and add to its architectural appeal. Originally, the building was topped with a low dome. The dome was removed in 1958, but an upper dome still remains. Additionally, a balustrade that once ran between the pediments was removed in 1928.
The rear of the building is designed in a simpler style, using brick and featuring basic windows with stone sills. This understated design contrasts with the more elaborate facade, reflecting a practical approach to the building’s rear.
In 1992, the city of Escanaba embarked on a major construction project to build a new city hall and library complex. The new facility was completed and the library relocated in 1995. This marked the end of its service at the historic Carnegie building. After the library moved, the old Carnegie building was sold to private owners. The new owners undertook a refurbishment project with the goal of converting the historic structure into a private home. Their goal was to preserve its architectural integrity while adapting it for residential use.
Today, the Escanaba Public Library’s original building stands as a testament to the legacy of Andrew Carnegie and the architectural heritage of early 20th-century public libraries. Its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and its designation as a Michigan State Historic Site underscore its importance as a historical and cultural landmark. The building’s transformation from a public library to a private residence exemplifies the ongoing appreciation and adaptive reuse of historic structures, ensuring that the legacy of the Carnegie library continues to be valued in the community.
Northern Lower Peninsula – Boyne City, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, East Jordan, Mancelona, Manistee, Petoskey and Traverse City.
Upper Peninsula – Escanaba, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Ishpeming, Sault Ste. Marie, and Stambaugh (now Iron River).