A Legorreta Masterpiece in Shambles

There is something about run down buildings that makes me very nostalgic and melancholy. Luis Barragan and Ricardo Legorreta have always been among my favorite architects. For this reason I feel lucky to have one of Legorreta's buildings right here in San Diego County. But it's sad to see the condition that it's in.
The South Chula Vista Library is not set in the most ideal of neighborhoods. In fact, it is a residential area that is run down to say the least. Approaching the library you can't help but notice the massive structure which looks nothing like those surrounding it. The collection of yellow stucco geometric shapes is accented with rows of narrow windows and grids of square openings that create abstract shadows when the sun hits them just right. The ridged arched metal rooftops resemble those seen from above Paris, except the ones in Paris are not round, nor brown. Inside, every room is filled with endless details that make it uniquely Legorreta, such as intricate stepped ceilings, hidden courtyards, trickling fountains, recessed skylights and custom case work.

Disappointingly, some of the architectural features have either been removed, are no longer functional or have become so run down with time and use (or lack of maintenance) that it is hard to appreciate them. Not that long ago, the fountains in the courtyard and next to the entrance were operating. Now they are dry. The old Library Bookstore has now become a badly organized storage room and has been reduced to a couple of bookcases in the library's foyer. The children's area has become cluttered and run down. Many windows are scratched, smudged or have become opaque. Broken windows have been replaced with strangely colored glass. The courtyard adjacent to the glass Cafe corridor is no longer open... or at least it has not been open the times I have gone and the original teak (?) tables and chairs have been replaced by cheap patio furniture. Cobwebs have formed in many of the niches and alcoves. The landscaping is not at all maintained. But most noticeably for me is the stripping down of what they call the "marketplace" with its interior central fountain. This feature used to be the focal point of the room, surrounded by custom built shelving and seating. Now it has all been removed only to be replaced with mediocre furniture and displays, thoughtlessly scattered throughout the room. What once was a warm and inviting lounging room is now just one big room with badly placed furniture.

Leaving the library today, I couldn't help but wonder what Legorreta would think of the state of his piece of work if he were to visit now. I also wondered who the manager of this library is? Does he/she even care? It is hard to believe that this building was renovated just three years ago, a decade after its opening in 1995. If you ask me, it's time for another face lift!