The controversy surrounding the design contract for a new downtown library is leading opponents of the $21 million project on the Metro Council to reopen the debate over whether it’s a wise investment. “There’s still a number of council members who don’t think it should happen at all,” says Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker, who voted against funding the library in this year’s budget. “We don’t need but six votes to stop it, so there’s no need for the $21 million people to be celebrating. I don’t know if they’ve realized that or not.”
On May 19 a selection committee composed of architects, landscape designers and city officials chose a joint proposal by WHLC Architecture of Baton Rouge and Boston-based Schwartz/Silver Architects to design the library. A week later, however, Trahan Architects, who had previously been the frontrunner to get the contract, raised questions about the legitimacy of the selection process.
Trahan’s attorney, Gray Sexton, formally complained to Mayor Kip Holden in a letter, alleging that misleading information meant to tarnish Trahan’s reputation was circulated among panel members prior to finalists’ presentations. Sexton intends to protest the panel’s decision, which is scheduled to go before the Metro Council for final approval in the next month. “I have a lot of concerns, and I want a whole lot of more facts before we do anything,” Walker says. “We’re willing to discuss it, but I think everyone is going to want a lot more information before we take a vote on it.” —Steve Sanoski
