METC Museum of Early Trade & Crafts

METC Museum of Early Trade & Crafts

Madison, New Jersey

The “1998 New Jersey Historic Preservation Award” was presented to LWDMR Architects for the James Library Building Restoration project, which houses the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (METC).

The renovation work greatly improved its exterior façade and interior spaces, with additional ADA upgrades, egress and life safety upgrades, HVAC and electrical upgrades. A newly constructed conservatory on the north side contains the stair and elevator, which connect and provide access as a second means of egress for the basement and main floor levels. To fulfill METC’s mission to enhance the understanding and appreciation of  America’s past, LWDMR Architects had restored its home, listed on the New Jersey State and National Registers of Historic Places, to its original historic appearance.

Typology

Restoration + Rehabilitation

Timeline

BUILT

Location

New Jersey, USA

Client

Borough of Madison

The building was restored to reveal its long hidden architectural features and the many literary quotations that decorate the windows, walls and fireplaces. A new glass-roofed conservatory now provides an elevator and ground-level entrance for visitors with limited mobility.

All public areas of the building are now air conditioned for the benefit of both our visitors and our collection.

The Museum continues to act as the steward of this building which is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Buildings. In partnership with the Borough of Madison and the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust,

James Library from 1899 - 1969