Pride in Montrose: A beloved community hub and beacon for inclusivity
by Natalie Thurman, AIA, and Alyssa Hitt, IIDA, NCIDQ, LFA
After much anticipation, the new Freed-Montrose Library opened in December 2024 to considerable excitement. As part of the Houston Public Library system, this new facility represents a significant community achievement. “As a Montrose community member and the project manager for the New Montrose Library, I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback and community pride,” said Synthia YR Walton, NOMA, LEED AP, senior project manager, City of Houston’s General Service Dept.| Real Estate, Design, and Construction—Major Projects. “The project’s goal was to bring the essence or spirit of the community into the space with welcoming decor for all ages, which was achieved. The daily increase in visitors proves this location is a success.”
Authentic Cultural Integration and Local Pride
When our team reviewed Houston Public Library’s vision for the new Montrose Library, we discovered compelling language describing “a space for exchange, communication, learning, inspiration and collaboration” and “the Houston avant-garde where cultural and artistic expressions converge.” We recognized this would be a rare and vibrant design opportunity. Several key themes emerged that authentically reflect the neighborhood’s LGBTQ+ identity.
The design for the library doesn’t just accommodate LGBTQ+ community needs—it genuinely celebrates and integrates the neighborhood’s LGBTQ+ heritage fundamental to Montrose’s identity. From the two-story mural capturing neighborhood history to the rainbow trellis that has become a community landmark, the design recognizes that LGBTQ+ culture isn’t separate but integral to what makes Montrose the “Houstonian avant-garde.” Rather than mere tokenism, the library models sincere community representation.
Multiculturalism as Foundational Design Strategy
The design features a unique sequence of spaces that honor the neighborhood’s culture, courage, heart, and soul, supporting a plural and multicultural community. Our design direction focused on using color to guide visitors through the library and signal different activities. Inspired by the neighborhood’s energy, distinct zones were created within the open floorplan to support diverse users, ages, and interests. Red tones in the entry and teen area evoke warmth and excitement, orange in the juvenile section for fun, and yellow in the toddler zone for cheerfulness. The third floor, dedicated to learning and adult sections, features blue tones for peace and purple for creativity.
An active stair brings in natural light and provides transparency to the exterior, further emphasizing the connection to the surrounding neighborhood. It frames a custom, site-specific mural by local artist Kill Joy, titled Spirit of Montrose. On the entry floor, the mural portrays images and symbols of the region’s Indigenous peoples. On the upper floor, the imagery transitions to the neighborhood’s historic bungalows which gave sanctuary to LGBTQ+, immigrant, and artist communities. Uniting the double story artwork is a live oak tree, symbolizing strength and continuity to shelter figures designed to nod to Montrose’s legacy of education and cultural preservation.
From the oak tree, a rainbow arches over the stair. House sparrows, which are widely symbolic of community and connection, perch along the rainbow. Archival photographs from the Advocates of a Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex in Houston, Harris County (ALMAAHH); the Houston Asian American Archive (HAAA); and the Transgender Foundation of America provide deeper historical context along the library’s core.
Intentional Programming and Collection Curation
The library features dedicated LGBTQ+ programming elements including a specific LGBTQ+ book section, space for pop-ups, and hosts an LGBTQ+ book club on the third floor. Stacks showcase enhanced and featured collections of rotating and non-floating LGBTQ+ titles. The deliberate inclusion of LGBTQ+ literature and community programming are core library functions.
The Outcome
The impact of the finished project has been profound. The library has become a beloved community hub, offering a safe, accessible, and engaging environment for all ages. The vibrant design and inclusive atmosphere have fostered a sense of pride and ownership among residents.
Visitor rates have increased significantly since the new library opened to the public. The prior building served approximately 80-to-100 visitors per day. The new library welcomes 300 daily visitors during the week, and upwards of 500 visitors on weekends.
Natalie Thurman, AIA
Principal
Throughout her career, Natalie has worked on a wide range of healthcare, research, and higher education projects.
Alyssa Hitt, IIDA, NCIDQ, LFA
Interior Designer
Alyssa examines the impact that space can have on the way humans explore their surroundings.