Amherst, MA — A major milestone was reached last week as Finegold Alexander Architects, along with local and state officials, celebrated the official groundbreaking for the long-anticipated renovation and expansion of the historic Jones Library in Amherst. The $46.1 million project promises to blend historic preservation with 21st-century upgrades, transforming the nearly century-old library into one of the most sustainable civic buildings in the region.
The June 18 ceremony brought together a broad coalition of community leaders and supporters, including U.S. Representative Jim McGovern, who underscored the project’s importance: “Great communities deserve great libraries.”
Designed by Boston-based Finegold Alexander and constructed by Fontaine Brothers, the revitalization of Jones Library includes a full restoration of its 1928 structure—originally designed by Putnam & Cox to resemble a stately residence—and a new three-story addition at the rear of the building. The design honors the library’s original stone façade and distinctive gambrel roofline, while introducing modern upgrades in technology, accessibility, and sustainability.
“This is the kind of project that is at the very heart of what our firm does best—historic preservation and libraries,” said Ellen Anselone, AIA, LEED, Principal-in-Charge at Finegold Alexander. “We’re restoring this treasured 1928 building to its original character while also modernizing it to meet today’s community needs.”
Once complete in 2027, the expanded library will offer more accessible public spaces, upgraded security and building systems, and more efficient services—while cutting energy use by 65%. Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout the planning process, with the design team conducting full energy modeling and life-cycle assessments using Tally software to minimize both operational and embodied carbon.
The project has earned widespread community support and reflects a collaborative effort between the Town of Amherst, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), and a host of local stakeholders. Speeches at the groundbreaking were also delivered by Lynn Griesemer, President of the Amherst Town Council; Austin Sarat, President of the Jones Library Board of Trustees; Anika Lopes, Founder and Director of the Ancestral Bridges Foundation; and other members of the library’s building committee and MBLC.
