Osborne Library

Architecture                                                                                                                                                                                     

Constructed separately from the original Osborne-Wright Family mansion, a passageway had joined the two structures. The First United Methodist Church of Auburn now stands in place of the mansion; the library remains on the church's property. Thomas Mott Osborne commissioned a significant Boston architect to spare few expenses designing a place of study and thought, of deep conversation, and of music performance and appreciation, and to store a book collection that then rivaled public libraries.

The architect was the noted Julius Schweinfurth (1858-1931), another Auburn native. The Osborne Library was one of his masterpieces. Restored, the Osborne Library will be used. in part, in its intended spirit as a place for study and exquisite music.

The Osborne Library's lower level will house museum and research materials and be an educational center devoted to the Osborne-Wright and their extended family's contribution to the area and the world, for children and adults both.

Project Benefits

The public will benefit from the proposed use of the Osborne Library in several ways:

• It will save an important piece of historic fabric from demolition.
• It will present to residents and visitors a chance to explore the links connecting the Corridor of Conscience, Auburn, New York State, the United States, and the Osborne-Wright Family.
• It will provide much-needed commercial, nonprofit or small business membership space at a reasonable cost.
• It will encourage and support other needed rehabilitation projects in the South Street Historic District and the district around Auburn by conforming to the city's Comprehensive Plan. Any work will also be completed in conjunction with Chapter 178 of the City of Auburn Municipal Code, which also complies with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
• According to the Preservation League of CNY, “Powerful economic benefits flow to places that stress historic preservation. It’s a simple equation: $1 million spent rehabilitating an historic building in New York State ultimately adds $1.9 million to the state’s economy.”
• Sustainability - Historic preservation can – and should – be an important component of any effort to promote sustainable development. The conservation and improvement of our existing built resources, including re-use of historic and older buildings, greening the existing building stock, and reinvestment in older and historic communities, is crucial to combating climate change. 



Building Condition

The Osborne Library lacks proper roof drainage. Water infiltration has caused conservation problems for bricks and mortar near the drains, gutters, and roofline. A lack of proper soil grading near the building's foundation has worsened deterioration there. Cracks are visible on the west façade and chimney of the main building.

The building's interior has suffered moisture penetration and insufficient ventilation. Paint and plaster layers are cracking and peeling throughout. Several windowpanes and sashes are broken or damaged.

There is standing water under the southern portion of the ceiling, where several sections of plaster have eroded entirely. Substantial amounts of water have also permeated the basement via the soil and leaks from the upper story. The building cannot sustain its battle against the elements much longer.



Engineers checking things out to get ready to renovate the building.