The Schlessman Family Branch Library is closed for renovations as of January 20, 2025.
Overview
Address: 100 Poplar Street
Year opened: 2002
Square footage: 14,884 sq. ft.
The Schlessman Family Branch Library in Denver is undergoing its first major renovation, including an addition, modernized layout and updated building systems. With completion expected in early 2027, this project is funded by a combination of the Elevate Denver bond program and City’s Capital Improvement Plan funds. The renovation scope includes:
- Reimagined service point for technology and service models
- Relocated/updated community room with a new audio/visual system
- New study rooms and a coworking space
- Redesigned children’s area
- Modified shelving arrangement and improved sightlines
- Renovated public and staff rooms
- New arrangements for computers/mobile device access
- Expanded staff space
- Exterior improvements to the leaking titanium façade panels, replacing the roof, addressing landscaping, sidewalk and exterior lighting
- Replacement of end of life cycle building systems including HVAC, access controls, surveillance, life safety, electrical, lighting, plumbing, technology, and communication systems
- New interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and signage
- Compliance with current ADA requirements and improvements to accessibility
- New window coverings to manage solar load
- An estimated 25% reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions will be achieved as a result of this renovation
As of January 2026, the next project milestones include.
- Completion of the restrooms
- HVAC equipment is in the design phase
- Building envelope restoration is in procurement
Architecture Firm: studiotrope Design Collective
General Contractor: Mark Young Construction
Estimated Budget: Elevate Denver GO Bond Program: $3.5M, City and County of Denver Capital Improvement Plan Fund: $961K, Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the Denver Public Library Fund: $1M.
History
The Schlessman Family Branch Library opened in March 2002 and replaced the Montclair Branch, which closed in January the same year. The modest-sized branch is one of DPL’s most popular and its technology, collections and facility are heavily used by community members of all ages. The 14,850-square-foot building cost $3.2 million and was designed by architect Michael Brendle and was designed to be a bridge between the adjacent historic neighborhoods and the aviation history of the former Lowry Air Force Base.
The Lowry Trios, a 12 painted panels installation by artist Stephen Batura, is inside the library. The paintings are based on historic photos of the area.
The branch is named for the Schlessman family, who donated one million dollars for the project, which was combined with bond issue money and funds from the Ross Trust.
The branch serves a diverse service area including families with children across a range of ages, singles and married couples without children, immigrants and seniors. The branch’s collection and programs reflect the neighborhood’s diversity and address their needs and interests.
Community Input
The Schlessman Family Branch Library community conversation was held in July 2016 and brought residents from Lowry together with library staff to discuss the future of the area. Lowry residents want a peaceful and safe community for children and desire to create a community where neighbors know one another. Attendees expressed concern about existing safety and security and a lack of available resources for families of different ethnic and economic backgrounds. Overall, residents opined for the ideal of Lowry as a planned, safe and walkable community.