Pratt Memorial Library Renovation
Project Summary
To meet the needs of one of the fasting-growing areas in the nation, the Jasper County government and its partner stakeholders invested in a high-tech library that has all of the expected modern amenities but still keeps the historic charm of their circa 1920’s existing building. Renovations to the Pratt Memorial Library included a new roof, complete interior demolition, and a full interior remodel. The M. B. Kahn team rebuilt key structural and architectural elements while modernizing the facility for continued community use.
Interior and site improvements included:
Structural concrete support
Asphalt shingle roof
Floor joists
Windows and doors
Concrete ramp and stairs
Handrails
Selected landscaping improvements
Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems
The library celebrated its grand reopening in Ridgeland on March 24, 2026. During the renovation, most interior walls were removed to allow for a more flexible and functional layout. As Craig Floyd, Executive Vice President, noted during an interview with Bluffton Today, “We demolished most of the interior walls in here, so the architect had a lot of flexibility with the new layout of the space.”
How the Project Preserved Historic Character
The Pratt Memorial Library holds deep significance for the Ridgeland community. Originally constructed in 1920 as Ridgeland Elementary School, the building later transitioned into a public library. The facility was donated to the County by Pauline Dodge Pratt in memory of her late husband, Frederick R. Pratt. Mrs. Pratt later married Richard K. Webel, a nationally renowned landscape architect. His design work remains visible in the library gardens, which were carefully preserved throughout the renovation. The project team also salvaged a shelf from the original Ridgeland School building. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, community members received commemorative pieces of the original flooring stamped to mark the occasion.
Maintaining Community Service During Construction
Throughout construction, the library continued serving the community from a temporary location. Services remained uninterrupted, including on moving day, through coordinated logistics, technology systems, and a carefully planned transition back into the renovated facility.
