As half of the architectural firm of Bories & Shearron…

Growing up in Lake Forest, the library was the “it” of favorite places to be; prior to 1980, the building and its environs were a master class in art, Classical and Modern architecture, engineering, style, interiors, design, and landscape.

And then there were the books and periodicals: a collection of great depth and sophistication that brought the whole world into the hands of any young person who wanted to know more.

Shedd sisters, Alfred Hamill, and the Lake Forest Library, your generous and abundant gifts have not been forgotten. Residing once again in Lake Forest, and knowing the Library is in need, the following drawings of a Classical Proposal for the restoration and additions are the least we could do to honor and support its growth and modernization for your next 100 years.

James Shearron

A Sense of Place

A Lake Forest Library for the 21st century and beyond…

Given its location within a residential historic neighborhood, revered distinctive architectural form, and positioning on a limited site, a thoughtful path to enlargement and modernization should be a strategy that mitigates impact.

“Literal Replication” of Edwin Clark’s Deco-Georgian style and plan format are viable solutions; or, simply, “what would Clark have done?”

This respected methodology will sustain the delicate balance of character in an historic setting through “seamless” additions, resulting in unity of composition. 

In Lake Forest, both historically and today, the precedents for this approach are many. Great houses and buildings have been completed by successive architects who were willing to replicate their forebearers’ style out of respect and a desire to retain a Sense of Place.