The Central Library first opened its doors to the public in May 1980 under the leadership of Ella Gaines Yates, the first African American director of the library system. In 2002, a major renovation of the Central Library was completed, and the library system celebrated the centennial of the year in which public library service in Atlanta began.

The Central Library was the largest library to be renovated as part of a 2008 Bond Referendum, which called for the building and expansion of 10 libraries and the renovation of 22 libraries in the Library System, including its Central Library and System Headquarters.

This project consisted of the renovation of the existing library including the demolition and replacement of all interior systems (mechanical, electrical and finishes). The scope of work included all trades such as demolition, site re-development, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, roofing, sealants, doors, glazing, drywall, flooring, accessories, food service equipment, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and electrical.

We utilized our structural expertise to design multiple floor openings for stairs and elevators plus other areas of modification at each floor. We also provided a seismic analysis in the design to ensure that the building, along with its modifications, met the seismic loads of the current building code. By renovating instead of building entirely new, 95% of the existing building structure and envelope was reused.