The Samuel Freudenthal Memorial Library at Trinidad State College has long stood as an academic cornerstone since it was first built in 1967. By 2023, however, the nearly 60-year-old structure was showing its age, with outdated restrooms, single-pane windows, and an interior that looked frozen in time. Nunn Construction began a year-long, multi-phased renovation to breathe new life into the building, modernizing it for today’s students while honoring its historic legacy.

From the very beginning, this project presented both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. While some areas required light renovation, others demanded extensive structural work including cutting and removing portions of the floor slab to create striking, two-story spaces. These efforts opened the way for dynamic new study halls and collaborative learning environments. At the same time, careful attention was paid to the finishes and colors, transforming a dated building into a warm, welcoming center for creativity, focus, and connection.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the renovation was the work surrounding the Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum, located in the lower level of the library. Preparing for its relocation meant moving out collections of remarkable artifacts, including two Mosasaurus fossils discovered in Trinidad. The process gave the Nunn team a rare opportunity to engage with local history while making space for the museum’s updated home.

Throughout the project, the design vision by Denver-based studiotrope design collective reshaped the Freudenthal Library into a true campus beacon. A new glass-walled entryway now glows like a “crystal box,” welcoming students and visitors by day and shining as a landmark across campus at night. Inside, the reorganized spaces bring student services, classrooms, offices, and a makerspace into closer proximity, making resources more accessible and creating an environment that encourages both academic support and entrepreneurial collaboration.

The second phase of the project extended improvements beyond the building itself, adding new parking, sidewalks, and bike accommodations to enhance campus connectivity. Together, these upgrades not only revitalized a dated facility but also redefined its role as the heart of campus life.

In recognition of this transformation, the American Library Association honored the Samuel Freudenthal Memorial Library in its 2025 Library Design Showcase, placing it among just 15 libraries across North America selected for this distinction. The award affirms what the Nunn team, college leadership, and the Trinidad community already knew: this library is more than a building. It is a vibrant, inspiring space that reflects both the college’s century-long legacy and its bright future.

• 2025 ALA Library Design Showcase National Recognition
• Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum Relocation
• Multi-Phased Renovation with Modern Finishes and Stunning Glass Entryway