Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library, which opened in 1932 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s works, including 82 of the “First Folios.”

Mueller engineered improvements to the air handling unit serving the vault area, where the folios and many rare documents are kept, in order to improve temperature and humidity control. In addition, the firm designed improvements for climate control in the library’s Reading Room and Exhibition Hall. A compressed schedule minimized disruption to the activities of visitors and scholars.

In the Rare Collections Storage Areas and Exhibition Hall, Mueller modified two existing air handling units that serve the New Reading Room and one unit that serves the 3,564 GSF Exhibition Hall to improve temperature and humidity control. Both spaces have a dense and highly variable occupancy. Mueller also provided professional engineering services to replace the outdoor air unit and a low-temperature chilled water system for proper humidity control.  The building remained occupied during construction.

Mueller also provided new automatic temperature control zones for the Conference, Offices, and Tea Room, new lighting for the Deck B collection spaces, and relocated storm water piping throughout.