In Fall 2024, the newly renovated Roosevelt High School Library will open its doors to students. The project—funded by the Roosevelt High School Foundation—is designed to fit a 21st-century educational environment with integrated technology and collaboration spaces.
At Neumann Monson, we are proud to be part of this project and excited to see its impact on Roosevelt High School’s students. To celebrate the end of construction, this article will discuss the project’s background, design process, and what students can expect from the space in the fall.
Recognizing an Underutilized Space: Project Background
Theodore Roosevelt High School—typically called Roosevelt High School—is a public school on the west side of Des Moines. Its building, constructed in 1922, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the most significant buildings in the state.
Over the years, the building has evolved, with additions added to fit the growing student body. The library, last updated in the 1980s, is in one of these additions.
In recent years, the space has become underutilized. Students began using it less for checking out books and studying, and it evolved into a storage and multipurpose space.
It was also dark and unwelcoming, with clerestory windows limiting natural daylight access. Single-occupancy restrooms—the only ones in the building—were underutilized and not ADA-accessible.
Noticing these issues, the Roosevelt High School Foundation saw an opportunity to reinvent the library and create a destination for students. Parents and alumni recognized the changing role of libraries in schools and worked to envision a 21st-century learning environment.
Gathering Input from Stakeholders: Design Process
The Roosevelt High School Foundation was heavily involved throughout the design process. They provided feedback and input, challenging the design team to consider what a modern high school library ought to be.
Although books would remain central to the library’s purpose, the Foundation wanted to integrate digital media and create spaces for group work. We began referring to the project as the “Learning Resource Center” to showcase its use.
In addition to the Foundation, the project involved input from teachers and counselors. The counselors’ offices are beside the library, making their input vital. While the Foundation and staff provided design input, the project’s administration was overseen by Des Moines Public Schools Construction Services.
A 21st-Century Learning Environment: Spaces and Features
The renovated library features various spaces to facilitate learning and promote collaboration. The Foundation saw traditional books supporting digital resources like E-books. Inspired by this idea, we pushed the bookshelves to the perimeter and opened the main library area.
Clerestory windows were extended to the floor, adding daylight and creating a more inviting atmosphere. In the center of the main room, students can work at a round, high-top table named the “Rider Bar” in honor of the school’s mascot.
Four reading rooms line the east and west walls. Open to the rest of the library, these semi-private alcoves will be equipped with mounted monitors that students can use for group projects.
Reading and conference rooms provide space for group work.
The north end contains large and small conference rooms. The previous administration space was broken into three meeting rooms, and the workroom was enlarged. Restroom sizes also increased, making them ADA-accessible.
While the previous space felt cluttered and dark, the renovated library has a clear organizational pattern. The bookshelves along the perimeter follow the rhythm of the building’s structural system, with reading benches matching window widths. Similarly, the reading rooms and entries align with the column spacing, creating a uniform look.
Before construction, the project underwent a value engineering process to keep it within budget. Materials, chosen for their practicality and durability, were limited to the essentials.
The design team maintained a neutral palette, creating a blank canvas to evolve alongside the school. Although the design team paired back material selections, they injected a few pops of school spirit, with Roosevelt High’s colors represented in bathroom tiles and the meeting room carpets.
Discover Other Iowa Education Projects
The Roosevelt High School Library renovation showcases the possibilities of multiple stakeholders coming together with a shared vision. Drawing input from alumni, parents, staff, and facilities managers, the design process led to a space that aligns with the needs of modern students.
While the way students use libraries is changing, these spaces remain foundational to learning and research. These updates will help ensure the Roosevelt High School Library remains relevant and active for future generations.
The renovated Roosevelt High School Library is one of many K-12 projects that will welcome students in the fall. In Pella, construction is winding down on the Early Learning Center, the first purpose-built preschool facility in the school district. Learn more by reading about the project’s background and design process.