[2] The city retained the Milwaukee architectural firm of Ferry and Clas to design the new structure.

[4] The Jackson Carnegie Library is a rectangular, two-story, Neoclassical structure constructed of Indiana limestone.

The front facade is symmetrical, and is approached by a broad central staircase with massive end walls topped with iron lamp stands.

The entrance to the building is slightly recessed, and is flanked with six engaged Ionic columns which extend upward to a modillioned cornice.

On the front, the spandrels between the first and second-story windows contain stone lion heads and floral swags.