Miller Hull restores brutalist Kennedy Library at Cal Poly

The Kennedy Library at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, has undergone a renovation by The Miller Hull Partnership, culminating in its reopening in September 2025. Originally designed by Robert Marquis in 1977, the brutalist structure has been updated to reflect its initial design vision by eliminating obstructive partitions that hindered natural light and views. A new steel-and-glass staircase now links all five floors, replacing outdated vertical circulation. The project involved installing high-performance insulated glass for the exterior and adjusting the roof for future solar panels. Aiming for LEED Gold certification, the 200,000-square-foot renovation, completed with contractor Hensel Phelps, also focused on student feedback, enhancing wayfinding, adding all-gender restrooms, expanding study areas, and relocating the cafe. The ground floor features a carpet that echoes the concrete waffle slab design, with finishes inspired by local landscapes.