When a long-vacant library in the heart of Fells Point became the subject of a redevelopment bid, it sparked a conversation about how Baltimore’s historic spaces could serve a new generation. PI.KL Studio under the leadership of Pavlina Ilieva and Kuo Pao Lian, has guided the transformation, restoring the landmark and shaping its new identity. Alongside their work, the project has opened the door to collaborations with other Baltimore creatives, including good neighbor and Cohere, through REFERENCE—a shared space within Library 19 dedicated to design, events, and creative exchange.
PI.KL Studio is steering Library 19’s return to public life. In the conversation that follows, Chris Richards (Cohere) and Kuo Pao Lian (PI.KL) talk about place, memory, and what it takes to bring a civic building back into daily use.
From Vacancy to Vision for an Old Library Space
Chris Richards - Partner at Cohere:
"I knew Cohere had to be a part of the Library as soon as I got an indication that redevelopment opportunity was on the table. I realized what was happening right in my own backyard. Knowing the property from its years of vacancy, sitting right in the middle of the neighborhood, it was hard not to be intrigued by the potential.
Through neighborhood engagement, I learned about the parties involved and bidding to transform this historic space. I immediately went to Kuo Pao and said:"
“How can I help? How can I be a part of this? This feels like something that's really relevant to Cohere, what we stand for, and the projects we want to be associated with.”
—Chris Richards
"I have lived in Fells Point for more than 10 years now, and Kuo Pao and Pavlina, Principals of PI.KL Studio, have had their studio based here for even longer. I got to know them through creative collaborations, developing branding systems that supported their architecture. That relationship made it a natural fit to work together on the Library.
Talking through the plans, it was clear Cohere could support the bid to redevelop this building. With experience in placemaking and activating communities through food and events, we envisioned a future for the Library shaped by those layers. Establishing a base in Fells Point connects that vision back to the neighborhood’s historic core, and sets the stage for us to continue bringing energy to sites with cultural and civic weight."
“For Cohere to now find a home base in Fells Point, the historic core of Baltimore, feels special for me personally. I feel privileged to be a part of this chapter in the city’s history.”
— Chris Richards
Cohere at Home in Fells Point
"As the first official tenant, I bring Cohere’s presence to the Library and more importantly, our network of clients, partners, and creative makers. I see my role as bringing more energy and people to the building, getting eyes on the space. If that sparks an idea, a conversation, or pushes someone’s vision forward, then we are already succeeding." - Chris Richards
Kuo Pao: Memory and Imagination in Fells Point
"One of the coolest stories I heard about this building really spoke to me in a full-circle kind of way. Many years ago, Fells Point was slated for a highway that would have destroyed the neighborhood. Downstairs, where we have now created a community event space, which will eventually become a café, community members would gather to fight the highway."
—Kuo Pao, Principal at PI.KL Studio
"Community members would come to us and tell us, 'You know, that's where we met to fight the highway.' Hearing that was chilling. I would love to see that spirit of gathering continue here, a modern space for conversations around urban development, neighborhood identity, and community awareness. "
—Kuo Pao
"On a personal level, the immigrant story matters deeply to me. My parents are immigrants, and my partner Pavlina is also an immigrant."
“This neighborhood, and this building, was built by immigrants. The idea is to continue telling those stories as much as we can.”
—Kuo Pao
"Whether through creative makers, small businesses, or simply people gathering under this roof, my vision is to celebrate that richness and give opportunities for it to shine."
Inside the Founder’s Salon
Cohere’s Founder’s Salon Series, first hosted in Philadelphia and Brooklyn, brings together entrepreneurs, makers, and creatives. The goal is to create a space to discuss struggles, share resources, and spark solutions.
At Library 19, Cohere partnered with good neighbor and PI.KL to host the event while also soft-launching REFERENCE, a curated space for design consultations, private events, workshops, and community sessions. REFERENCE exists both as a physical showroom and as a creative showcase for the three teams.
40+ engaged leaders joined the program, which included breakout sessions, networking, and conversation.
The Design Library Hosts Events
Beyond events, the Library also houses the good neighbor Design Library, a mix of art, retail, and personal objects curated for inspiration.
The installation features furniture from favorite brands and makers, objects from local ceramicists, pieces from PI.KL’s studio, and selections from good neighbor’s Creative Director, Shawn Chopra. Together, these elements create a living design archive, serving as a launch point for creative ideas.
