This forecourt design focused on improving the library’s identity and accessibility. An entrance portico was created to give the library a “front door” on Lafayette Square and to provide elevator access to the building’s main floor. The proposal called for removal of the existing sloped plaza to be replaced with a new level terrace with expanded public exhibition space underneath.

A new structure in the vacant northwest corner of the site was proposed to contain the Central Library bookstore and coffee shop which could be entered directly from the public plaza. This plaza was designed to visually and physically expand Lafayette Square to better accommodate civic events.